Team Herald
PANJIM: A day after BJP leader and former State minister Pandurang Madkaikar made sensational claims about ministers collecting money, Opposition parties upped the ante on corruption, demanding an investigation into the allegations and an FIR against an unnamed minister.
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Apart from alleging corruption within government departments, Madkaikar had also claimed that he had paid Rs 15-20 lakh to a minister’s team to get some work done, though he has refused to name the politician so far.
Goa Forward Party (GFP) President and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai called for transparency, insisting that authorities must act swiftly. He stated, “If no action is taken, it will signify that corruption is not only rampant but has been normalized under the BJP government.” Sardesai further warned that failure to initiate an inquiry would indicate that bribery is institutionalised, with no one, including BJP leaders, exempt from paying bribes.
He also criticised a recent statement from a BJP minister, who allegedly resorted to veiled threats instead of addressing the matter at hand. “This is not just an irresponsible comment, it’s a direct threat that needs to be investigated,” Sardesai added. He pointed out that Madkaikar’s claims, made during the visit of BJP central leader BL Santosh, exposed the depth of corruption within the party’s Goa government. He stated that the government had silenced the Opposition “while continuing its own corrupt practices”.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Goa President Amit Palekar accused the BJP government of double standards in dealing with FIR registrations. Palekar highlighted the swift police action against protesters in Porvorim, but pointed out the inaction regarding Madkaikar’s bribery claims.
“Former minister Pandurang Madkaikar was called by BJP National General Secretary B L Santosh. After the meeting, Madkaikar claimed that ministers of the BJP government were taking money and he himself had to pay Rs 20 lakh for clearing a file. An FIR should have been filed immediately either by Panjim Police or Crime Branch. Why was it not done?” he said.
Palekar added that after Pandurang’s statement, “the Vigilance Department or Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) should have been activated to find out who the minister is and an FIR should have been filed under Prevention of Corruption Act. His statement should have been recorded immediately to know who the minister is.”
AAP leader Francis Coehlo alleged that the BJP uses the law to suppress dissent, creating a message that anyone joining the party can act with impunity.
The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee leadership echoed these concerns, calling the current government the most corrupt in the state’s history and questioning whether Madkaikar, as a former minister, was unaware that giving bribes is a crime and demanded that he reveal the name of the minister involved.
In response, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho challenged Madkaikar to name the minister who allegedly demanded the bribe. “If he has the guts, Madkaikar should file a police complaint. He is an ex-minister and he should behave responsibly. Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones on others,” Godinho said.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, when asked about the allegations, directed reporters to question Madkaikar directly, stating, “Ask questions to Pandurang Madkaikar.”
However, social activist Tanoj Adwalpalkar argued that after these allegations, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho should resign immediately. “Ministers are not even sparing their own partymen and minting money. In such a scenario, what can the common man expect from the government?”
