PANAJI: A heated exchange erupted in the Goa Legislative Assembly on the first day of the session between Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai and Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho over the criteria for allotment of Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) plots.
Sardesai alleged that Goa had lost around Rs 52 crore in the name of “ease of doing business” and questioned the changes made to the criteria for allotment of IDC plots.
Responding, Godinho said relaxing the criteria would allow more people to participate and claimed the decision was a collective one taken by officials from various departments connected with industry.
The minister also criticised Sardesai over his repeated objections to Section 39A and accused him of introducing Section 16B during his tenure. Godinho called Sardesai the “Father of all conversions”, alleging that he had built his house on agricultural land through Section 16B.
Sardesai hit back by challenging Godinho to agree to a House Committee inquiry and a Crime Branch investigation into the allegations. He said he was ready to face an investigation and even challenged the minister to prove his allegations.
“If you have nothing to hide, then give a House Committee. Give the case to the Crime Branch for investigation. In three months, if I don’t expose him, then I will not contest the elections,” Sardesai said.
