Opposition accuses Goa CM of complicity in land conversion, corruption

The BJP government in Goa, led by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, has come under fire over a series of corruption allegations and controversial policies, amid mounting local discontent ahead of state Assembly elections in neighbouring Maharashtra.

The Pioneer On Thursday, September 19, 2024, it was reported that some BJP members had raised concerns with the party high command in Delhi, citing dwindling public support for the CM and ongoing controversies that could threaten the BJP’s political position in Goa.

Several ruling party legislators have expressed displeasure over the declining turnout in the BJP’s membership drive in the state, the report said. Party insiders suggest that Sawant’s involvement in multiple scandals has dented his popularity.

“The late Manohar Parrikar had set a benchmark for leadership, especially in a tourism-dependent state like ours, but things have changed drastically under the present leadership,” a BJP legislator currently in Delhi was quoted as saying.

The Opposition, especially Goa Forward Party leader Vijai Sardesai and Amit Palekar, has loudly criticised the Sawant government.

Sardesai accused the CM of lavish spending, including spending Rs 40 lakh on laddoos, Rs 4.32 crore on VIP transport since 2022 and an additional Rs 1.33 crore on stays in five-star hotels. Sardesai compared one of the allegations against Sawant with the Delhi liquor scam, which recently led to the arrest of senior leaders.