"Rane Jr, Senior ordered allotments, I was a rubber stamp"

The Goan:There are clear illegalities of GIDC which you presided over as Chairman,especially regarding allotment of plots for SEZ’s. Do you have a defense?

Babu Kavlekar:It was always the top man – the chief minister, who was handlingmatters- actually his son. The senior Rane only used to write notes. Thedecisions were taken by Junior Rane. The mediator for seven SEZs was aconsultant called VijayParab of Dona Paula. He worked with all governments

The Goan:But you were the Chairman of GIDC

BK: The GIDCMD was taking directions from the CM. Decisions were forced on us from the top.All seven projects were handled directly by the Govt and we were not eveninvolved in the process.

TG: So themasterminds, according to you were the Rane’s and Luizinho Faleiro?

BK:Of the seven, two SEZs-Maritime and Maxgrove was pushed actively by him whilefive others had the CMs (Ranes) backing.

TG: Are yousaying, you were a mere rubber stamp

BK: Youcan say that. Most of the Board Members are Government servants. They willobviously follow instructions of the Govt. I was a new man on the job. The MDcame and told me that see all these projects have the CMs sanction and wecannot say no to it. So I had to fall in line.

 TG:ManoharParrikar as leader of the opposition, had filed an FIR against GIDCofficials and its Chairman (you). Aren’t you worried?

BK Hedid file a complaint with the DGP but no FIR was lodged. The DGP did directVigilance Dept to investigate. DySP Mohan Naik did record my statement. Butnothing has happened. I have met Parrikar on numerous occasions since he becameCM yet GIDC has never been discussed. I feel that he is satisfied with mydeposition.