TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Independent MLA Vijai Sardesai again came under
attack from a livid Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar who accused him of having
‘lost his (mental) balance’ for giving wrong information about an agricultural
plot allotted to the latter’s son Abhijat at Netravali in Sanguem.
Defending the allotment, the Chief Minister said that the
plot was allotted through proper channel to carry out dairy farming, and said
that he was ready to debate the issue on a public platform after raising point
of order that ‘investment security’ issue discussed by Sardesai was not slotted
for discussion on Wednesday.
“He has lost his balance,” and agitated Parrikar said, “If
he wants to discuss my son’s dealings, issue a notice and I am ready to discuss
it. My son has not sold the plot to anybody else nor has he converted the land.
I am ready to discuss the issue on any public platform about my family’s
dealings.”
While returning the fire, Parrikar cautioned that Fatorda
MLA should also be ready for auditing of all his assets. Sardesai replied that
he was ready for this while asking whether the plot is procured for dairy
farming, to which Parrikar nodded.
“Today’s demand is on Home (department) and not on
investment security. I am ready to challenge him (Sardesai). I am ready to
discuss the issue even in the House. I will give information about the purchase
also,” he further said, mocking at the MLA, that his database was wrong as not
only his son name but also the area was incorrectly mentioned in the House. The
MLA has suspected foul play into the allotment during a discussion on demands
for grants on Prosecution, Police, Home, Jails, Home Guards and Civil Defence,
and Fire and Emergency Services.
A former Congress spokesperson had earlier filed a complaint
with the Anti-Corruption Branch alleging corruption in the mutation process
while allotting one lakh sq mts of land to Abhijat in a single day.
The ACB however refused to investigate after a preliminary
inquiry stated that as per procedure, government officials can complete mutation
in a day which he is empowered by the Act, and hence there is no need for
further investigation.
