PANJIM: A day after Governor Satya Pal Malik turned down State’s government’s proposal for new Raj Bhavan building, the Congress on Sunday questioned the BJP-led government over its proposal to construct the new facility in the State amidst the ongoing pandemic.
In a press statement issued, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Girish Chodankar demanded that the Governor instruct Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant to inform the people of Goa as who first floated the idea of constructing a new Raj Bhavan.
“Since now it’s clear that Governor’s office is not a party to the proposal of new Raj Bhavan, it needs to be seen whether the directions came from Prime Minister’s Office or Home Minister Amit Shah or was it some casino tycoon himself who submitted a proposal in this regard to the Chief Minister,” Chodankar said.
Chodankar had earlier alleged that the government intends to convert the Cabo Raj Nivas into a Casino Spa Resort.
“Governor must instruct Chief Minister to inform the people of Goa who first floated the idea of constructing a new Raj Bhavan and whether any file notes were moved pertaining to the said decision before the government made public announcement about the same,” the Congress president said.
The Congress leader also demanded that the Chief Minister should make it clear if the proposal of new Raj Bhavan was approved by the Economic Revival Committee constituted by him (CM) after the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic and whether the State’s priority is to revive the economy or spend money on non-priority projects.
Governor via a letter to Chief Minister on July 27, had turned down State government’s proposal for new Raj Bhavan at a time when State is reeling under financial crisis owing to COVID-19 pandemic.
In a press statement released by Secretary to Governor Rupesh Kumar Thakur, on Saturday, it was said that Governor has written a letter to the Chief Minister wherein he has requested the CM to defer the proposal of a new Raj Bhavan till State’s finances improve.
