PANAJI
The Goa Legislative Assembly on Monday witnessed a heated debate after Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar denied an adjournment motion and discussion on the alleged fraud in the distribution of funds in the Art and Culture Department. The allegations were initially leveled by the Speaker himself against Minister Govind Gaude.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai had moved an adjournment motion to discuss serious allegations regarding the misappropriation of funds by the department while sanctioning special financial assistance for organizing cultural events.
When the session commenced on Monday, the opposition demanded a special discussion on the allegations leveled by the Speaker. With the Speaker denying discussion, Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao questioned, “That means what you (Speaker) said is not true.”
“This is an insult to the Speaker and the Chair,” he added.
Interrupting the LoP, the Chief Minister said that this is not the forum to raise the issue and the same can be discussed at the “Right Forum”.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister and BJP state President Sadanand Tanavade held meetings with Tawadkar and Gaude on the issue.
“We heard the version of both Gaude and Tawadkar, and the ‘misunderstanding’ between the two has been resolved. Now, there are no grievances left,” Tanavade told the media after the meeting.
“The CM will speak on the demand for an inquiry into the misappropriation of funds. But the issue is closed as far as the party is concerned,” he added.
Tawadkar had alleged on Friday that the Art and Culture Department sanctioned around 26 lakhs to 13 organizations in Canacona for conducting cultural events, which actually never took place.
