PANAJI
The Goan took up the issue of embezzlement of funds related to the Art and Culture Department with Ramesh Tawadkar, Speaker Goa Assembly which was raised by him and elicited his view on the issue and the controversy surrounding it.
THE GOAN: The embezzlement of funds charge came from you on the eve of an important assembly session. What was the reason behind such a timing?
TAWADKAR: Let me make it clear, I never made any direct allegations against anyone. The allegations were made by the Sarpanch and Panch, who not just raised the issue with me but also with the Chief Minister. Since they are from my constituency, I had taken it up. I never said anyone is corrupt. The issue was not about me or the Minister but it was about mismanagement of funds related to the events.
TG: Do you still hold the charge that there was an issue with funding of events or the issue is settled?
TAWADKAR: See, I would not like to get into that again. I was told that the funds that were released by the Art and Culture department did not reach them. Some events were allowed to be held during the monsoon. Funds were released to organisations which never existed or two organisations from the same families…etc. There were a lot of issues.
TG: Why did you not allow adjournment motions on the issue in the House? Why was debate not permitted?
TAWADKAR: As a Speaker of the Assembly, I felt it was not healthy for me to allow such a motion in the House. The issue was between me, CM and the Minister outside the Assembly and it was settled also outside the Assembly. The truth will come out one day.
TG: What is the equation with Gaude after the series of exchanges, especially the viral audio clip? Gaude indirectly hinted at your possible involvement to make the audio clip viral.
TAWADKAR: I have nothing to do with that audio clip. In fact, bad words are used even against me so why would I make such a video viral? It is very unfortunate that I am being dragged into this controversy unnecessarily. As far as my equations are concerned with Gaude, they will be “same” as they were, even before he could enter into politics.
TG: What do you exactly mean by that?
TAWADKAR: I don't want to say anything
TG: You feel the Chief Minister should have conducted an inquiry into the audio issue?
TAWADKAR: That is the Chief Minister’s prerogative; I cannot comment on it.
TG: While the issue appeared to be pushed under the carpet, you gave another twist by going to Marcel-Priol, home constituency of Gaude and assured housing under your ‘Shram Dham’ project. Is this a sign that animosity still continues?
TAWADKAR: Shram Dham project is not restricted to only my Canacona constituency as I had said earlier. And it is not about me promising housing in Priol. In fact, I have even got requests from areas like Sangem, Quepem, where I will be implementing this project. So, where is the question of some animosity?
