MARGAO: Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Cuncolim MLA Yuri Alemao has called upon Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to address the concerns raised by Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, and issue instructions to Excise Department officials to curb the smuggling of liquor into the neighbouring State.
Alemao expressed concern that CM Sawant might be under the impression that the corrupt BJP government was still in power in Karnataka. He criticised the current BJP-led government in Goa, , alleging that it had turned the State into a hub for various illegal activities, including human trafficking, drug transit, transportation of hazardous substances, and liquor smuggling to Karnataka.
He highlighted the fragile state of Goa’s borders, noting the lack of monitoring and border control by authorities. Alemao cited instances of tinted vehicles transporting dead bodies across the border, with officials seemingly unaware, implying possible collusion between the government and criminal elements.
Alemao emphasised that during the BJP’s tenure in Karnataka, the Goa government deliberately turned a blind eye to the illegal liquor trade, causing losses to the State exchequer and benefiting the liquor mafia. He thanked Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for proactively addressing the issue and taking steps to prevent the smuggling of illegal liquor from Goa.
Alemao expressed disappointment in the BJP government’s failure to learn from past mistakes, despite various scams pointed out by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in the Excise Department. He asserted that the government had not taken adequate measures to streamline the department’s functioning.
