Special Correspondent
Panaji
Claiming that he has paid a bribe of nearly Rs 20 lakh to the personal assistant of a minister to get his file cleared, former Bharatiya Janata Party minister Pandurang Madkaikar has stirred up a hornet’s nest by stating that Goan ministers are more concerned with “counting money” than tackling the problems faced by Goans.
The allegation came after Madkaikar held a meeting with BJP national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh during his Goa visit on Wednesday.
Madkaikar described the current situation as “rampant loot” and not mere corruption.
“It is not corruption but rampant theft,” he remarked, pointing out, “Under the guise of corruption, theft is taking place.”
“The cash for government jobs scam is yet another instance of this theft,” the former Cumbharjua MLA said, alleging that every minister is today occupied with seizing money.
Sharing a personal experience, the former minister alleged that he had to pay Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh to a minister to finalise routine work.
Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant said that Madkaikar has not made any allegations against him. He refrained from making any other statement on the issue.
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho said that in a democracy, everyone should be careful so as not to abuse his freedom of speech.
“Madkaikar, who is a former minister, should first look into his backyard before commenting on others,” Godinho said, adding that people who stay in glass houses should not throw stones on others.
Godinho also said that if Madkaikar has paid bribe then he should name the minister concerned, and file a police complaint against the particular minister.
“Mr Madkaikar is my friend, but he must name the minister who had asked him for money”, said Revenue Minister Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate, reacting to his former colleague’s statement on corruption.
Madkaikar’s allegations gave fodder to the Opposition to slam the government.
