PANAJI
The Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday said that the viral videos on social media, accusing him over his involvement in various scams, are “politically motivated” and without any substantial evidence.
In a video message released, Sawant said that the videos are an attempt to create unrest and disrupt the government and so also to tarnish his image.
“For last few days a video has been going viral on social media to tarnish my image…It is very clear that these videos and news items are politically motivated…there are political forces behind it… all the allegations made in it are without any substantial evidence,” he said.
He refuted allegations made in the viral videos and print media from outside Goa over issues like land grabbing, Zuari Agro land scam, job scams, financial crisis etc. in the recent past.
“As far as the land grabbing is concerned, I am the only Chief Minister who took the suo-moto cognizance of the crime taking place for last 20 years and set up SIT and One Man Commission and accepted the recommendations,” he said.
Sawant said that so far police have arrested 58 people involved and suspended six government officials while 99 properties have been seized.
“I am happy to say that I have managed to put an end to this 20-year-old land scam,” he commented.
Stating that the comunidade land to Zuari Industries was handed over much before he was born, the Chief Minister said that the middle man and agents involved in land conversions, selling of plots and taking commissions, would be exposed soon.
Sawant claimed that Goa is financially one of the strongest States. He said despite the State borrowing limit being increased to Rs 4,200 crore, the market loans have been much below it.
