PANJIM: In a counter attack, former deputy chief minister Vijai Sardesai too has warned of legal action against Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for trying to “defame him” with incorrect facts with regards to his assets.
Sawant, who was corned by Opposition including Sardesai over purchase of properties in Dodamarg, on Monday, ought to question as how his former ally’s income increased by 500 per cent within a period of five years.
Responding to the allegation, Sardesai, Goa Forward Party (GFP) chief said that his wealth declined during the period from 2012 to 2019, from Rs 2512 crore to 13.38 crore, when he was MLA and minister subsequently.
Pointing to his affidavit, Sardesai said that his assets were at Rs 5.45 crore in 2007 and it jumped to Rs 25.12 crore with Rs 5.80 crore liabilities in 2012.
“During this period, I was neither MLA nor minister. And hence I could give more time to my profession which helped to increase by wealth,” he said.
He said that in 2017, his assets stood at Rs 14.75 crore with liability of Rs 7.35 crore and it further declined to Rs 13.38 crore in 2019. The liability, however increased to Rs 7.95 crore.
“During my period as MLA and minister, my wealth declined substantially,” MLA said.
Stating that Chief Minister has selectively read parts of his affidavit to defame, Sardesai said that he has sought legal opinion on the allegation for necessary action.
He also said that whatever baseless allegations Chief Minister has made are based on complaint filed by Congress Fatorda Block Committee in 2016 before Income Tax Department, the case which is already investigated and closed.
Speaking about Sawant property, Sardesai said that whatever he has pointed out is quoting the affidavit of Chief Minister.
