‘Paid Bribe For Work, Ministers Busy Counting Money’, Says Goa BJP Leader; Opposition Demands Probe
Goa BJP leader and former minister Pandurang Madkaikar alleged that "loot" is underway in the BJP government in the state. The Opposition has called for action into his claims.
Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Goa Minister Pandurang Madkaikar has claimed that he recently paid a bribe to the PA of a minister to process his file, alleging that those in the ruling BJP government in the state are “busy in counting money".
The remarks by Madkaikar, who was a minister in the Manohar Parrikar government, came following his meeting with party national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh in Panaji. Santhosh had held meetings with numerous party MLAs and leaders to take stock of the BJP’s organisational work.
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Madkaikar’s Massive Claims
“I will tell you very frankly, it’s not corruption, it’s loot. Loot is going on in Goa. Rampant loot. All Ministers are busy in counting money," Madkaikar told the reporters.
Citing an incident in which he had to pay a bribe to a minister “for a small work", the former Minister said, “Last week, I paid Rs 15 to 20 lakh to one Minister for a small work. He took one file, which I had processed from the department…he took that file to his home and left a message that if someone comes to inquire about that file, tell that fellow to come and meet me. So, I sent my manager to meet the Minister".
“Then he was told to meet his PA. He met his PA, and the PA directly demanded Rs 15 or 20 lakh. I was also a Minister. So, I know what procedures are followed in that department," he added.
The BJP leader said that he did not intend to reveal the name of the minister to whom he paid the bribe but added that he would divulge the name when he leaves the party.
Goa Minister Asks Madkaikar To Reveal Name
Goa Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Wednesday asked the BJP leader to file a police complaint against the said minister and name the individual.
“In a democracy, one should be careful not to abuse the freedom one has to speak. He (Madkaikar) was a former Minister. Everyone knows him well…He should look into his own backyard and see what happened during his time, before commenting on others," Godinho said.
The Opposition also demanded that the police should launch an investigation into Madkaikar’s claims.
Goa AAP chief Amit Palekar said that the police should take cognisance of his statements and register a case.
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