Goa BJP leader Pandurang Madaikar accuses own government of corruption, says ministers busy counting money
Former Goa minister and BJP leader Pandurang Madaikar has stirred up a row after claiming corruption within his own government. Without naming any person, he alleged that the state government is making illegal money. His colleagues, however, hit back and asked him to reveal the names of the ministers who are involved in the racket.
On Tuesday, after attending a one-on-one meeting with BJP national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh in Panaji, Madaikar made the explosive allegation while speaking to reporters. He claimed that he himself paid around Rs 15 to 20 lakh to a “minister for a small work”.
“All the ministers are busy counting money. Nothing is happening in Goa,” Pandurang Madaikar said.
“I was also a minister, so I know very well how ministers work in the government. I gave Rs 15 to 20 lakh to a minister for a small work. But he has not done my work yet. He kept my file pending. Whenever I tried to contact him, he refused to do his work to meet us,” Madaikar, who served as a minister in the Manohar Parrikar-headed cabinet, added.
His statement has invited sharp criticism from the Opposition, which has questioned the BJP governance in the coastal state. The BJP, meanwhile, has challenged Madaikar to name the minister whom he paid the money.
On this matter, Goa Industries Minister Mauvin Godinho slammed Madaikar, saying the latter should check his history first before making such a remark. “He should declare the name of that minister, otherwise he should not make such a statement,” Godinho said.
Social Welfare Minister Subhash PhalDessai also sought proof from Madaikar for his claim. “I do not take money for any work, I do not have any department to take money, so I will not make any statement in this regard,” he said.
(Inputs from Ritesh Desai)
