MAPUSA
Insisting they had never asked for any hafta or ransom from the market Sopo contractor, the three councillors from the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) said they were willing to face a thorough investigation by the vigilance department or any other department into allegations made by the contractor.
Addressing a news conference on Friday, the three MMC councillors, Viraj Phadke, Swapnil Shirodkar and Ashirwad Khorjuvekar, refuted the allegations of the market Sopo contractor.
Councillor Viraj Phadke, who is president of municipal market committee, claimed that it was an attention-grabbing stunt.
The Sopo contractor had mentioned the names of three councillors while answering the show-cause notice issued by the MMC chief officer and alleged that the trio had demanded a hafta of Rs 2 lakh.
Refuting his claim, Phadke claimed the contractor had quoted a higher amount in the auction while submitting his tender.
“Now, as the money of this contract is not being recovered, he is levelling false allegations on us. We will file a case of defamation. If the contractor has any proof of us demanding ransom, he should directly go to the police or vigilance department. We are willing to face an inquiry,” said Phadke, adding further that they are not aware if there is any political vendetta against this allegation.
Councillor Ashirvad Khorjuvekar said he did not need to earn extra income from the Sopo contractor.
“I am a businessman and financially stable. I do not wish to have more money,” said Khorjuvekar.
Councillor Swapnil Shirodkar claimed that he is not a member of the market committee and yet, his name had been taken unnecessarily.
Meanwhile, Phadke pointed out that there have been some shortcomings in the current Sopo and parking contract draft and added that there is a need to redraft it.
“A decision would be taken regarding the issuing of the receipt after collecting the Sopo, after discussing the matter with the chief officer. This will solve the problem of asking for extra amount in the future,” said Phadke.
Addressing a news conference on Friday, the three MMC councillors, Viraj Phadke, Swapnil Shirodkar and Ashirwad Khorjuvekar, refuted the allegations of the market Sopo contractor.
Councillor Viraj Phadke, who is president of municipal market committee, claimed that it was an attention-grabbing stunt.
The Sopo contractor had mentioned the names of three councillors while answering the show-cause notice issued by the MMC chief officer and alleged that the trio had demanded a hafta of Rs 2 lakh.
Refuting his claim, Phadke claimed the contractor had quoted a higher amount in the auction while submitting his tender.
“Now, as the money of this contract is not being recovered, he is levelling false allegations on us. We will file a case of defamation. If the contractor has any proof of us demanding ransom, he should directly go to the police or vigilance department. We are willing to face an inquiry,” said Phadke, adding further that they are not aware if there is any political vendetta against this allegation.
Councillor Ashirvad Khorjuvekar said he did not need to earn extra income from the Sopo contractor.
“I am a businessman and financially stable. I do not wish to have more money,” said Khorjuvekar.
Councillor Swapnil Shirodkar claimed that he is not a member of the market committee and yet, his name had been taken unnecessarily.
Meanwhile, Phadke pointed out that there have been some shortcomings in the current Sopo and parking contract draft and added that there is a need to redraft it.
“A decision would be taken regarding the issuing of the receipt after collecting the Sopo, after discussing the matter with the chief officer. This will solve the problem of asking for extra amount in the future,” said Phadke.
