St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar speaks to reporters with the collapsed slab in the background.
Photo Credits: Manuel Vaz
PANAJI
The Opposition parties have accused the State government of engaging in corrupt practices during the renovation of the renowned Kala Academy, which is currently estimated at between Rs 55-65 crore. The main opposition party, Congress, has called for the immediate resignation of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Art & Culture Minister Govind Gaude and demanded a judicial inquiry into the matter.
Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao has held both CM Sawant and Minister Gaude accountable for the structural collapse of the Kala Academy. “Kala Academy was designed by legendary Charles Correa, where national and international fame artists have performed. But now under the insensitive and Mission Total Commission government, it has become a monument of corruption,” he said.
Alemao alleged that the renovation was nominated to the contractor for corruption as the work was allotted without a tender process, which is against the CPWD manual.
“We have already said that it is corruption done by the BJP government over this renovation and now the open auditorium has collapsed despite crores being spent on its renovation. Hence, I demand a judicial inquiry into this whole matter,” he said.
Fatorda legislator (GFP) Vijai Sardesai was quick to take a dig at Gaude as he took to social media to blame the government for corruption.
“The real Taj Mahal still stands because the real Shahjahan was not on 40% commission. I’ve been attacked mercilessly by @BJP4Goa for exposing the massive irregularities in the renovation of our prestigious Kala Academy. Today, I stand vindicated. The grand corruption #Goa’s Shahjahans are perpetrating will eventually lead to the destruction of Goa. What excuse does the @GovtofGoa have now? Will the minister who was defending this disaster quit and hand over the charge to someone clean and competent before the whole building collapses?” he posted.
Sardesai further alleged that corruption is brazen in the government and that those who are elected to protect the people are playing with their lives. “What will the minister have to say if this happened during a performance? We expect @govtofgoa to be on the side of the people, and remove the minister, order an investigation, before the Assembly begins,” he further tweeted.
GPCC Vice President Tulio D’Souza also questioned the quality of work as well as the non-compliance of the tender process.
“The BJP government rejected the suggestions of the Charles Correa Foundation for the best reasons they know. Today we are witnessing the destruction of Kala Academy as the minister has become over-smart. Why is the renovation carried out in a non-transparent manner and without a tender process,” he questioned. The leader also sought the report of the Goa Engineering College’s structural audit.
Former union law minister Ramakant Khalap questioned how the structure collapsed if it was not touched while carrying out the renovation. “Government should tell the public how it collapsed,” he said.
This is Shah Jahan’s 'toufa' to Goans, MLA taunts Gaude
OLD GOA: St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar has sought a judicial probe into the slab collapse. Borkar taunted Minister Govind Gaude by stating that this is Shah Jahan’s toufa (gift) to Goans.
“This happens when the contract is awarded without tender. The minister wanted to build it on the lines of Taj Mahal but now it appears that the exact opposite is happening and it is collapsing,” Borkar said.
The MLA further said that the KA renovation work is nothing but a scam involving crores of rupees and a judicial probe should be initiated in the matter.
“Both the Art and Culture and PWD ministers should resign owning responsibility for the incident,” Borkar further demanded.
