PANJIM: Industries Minister Mahadev Naik is certain to face a tough time in the Monsoon Session of the Goa Legislative Assembly with the Opposition set to demand his resignation over allegations of misappropriation of funds.
Independent MLAs Vijai Sardesai (Fatorda), Rohan Khaunte (Porvorim), Naresh Sawal (Bicholim) and Congress legislator from Curtorim Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco have unanimously resolved to stall the proceedings of the House if the minister does not step down from the post.
While a well-planned strategy would be revealed only next week, the MLAs have decided not to allow Naik – also the Social Welfare Minister – from tabling the annual report of SC/ST/OBC on the floor of the House.
“He (Naik) does not have the moral authority to present the annual report on SC/ST/OBC scheduled on Monday when the Assembly session begins. We want his resignation else we won’t allow the House to conduct any business,” Sardesai said addressing a joint press conference on Saturday.
The legislators have also demanded registering a police case against him for cheating the State exchequer. “He has misappropriated funds which he availed as loan from the assembly. He should be booked for cheating under Section 420 (of the Indian Penal Code),” he added, claiming the group has been helping the government to get rid of tainted ministers to induct ‘eligible’ ones in the Cabinet.
Generation Next for Goa had exposed the alleged fraud charging the minister of obtaining a government loan of Rs 30 lakh for housing but utilizing it for buying commercial property in Ponda.
