PANAJI: In a scathing attack on the ruling BJP, AICC Incharge Manikrao Thakare alleged that the Goa government is riddled with corruption and internal strife. Referring to recent claims by Goa Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude alleging contractors’ files are cleared in exchange for bribes at the Tribal Welfare Department, Thakare said the revelation only confirms what Goans have long believed.
"Since I’ve been in charge here, I’ve heard many stories of corruption. People understand that without money, no work gets done, not in any department, not in any ministry. This is the failure of the government that the people of Goa elected," he said.
Thakare also questioned Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s silence on the issue, suggesting his inaction amounts to complicity. “If the CM feels that corruption has taken place, he should sack the minister involved. But does he have the courage to do that? He is encouraging it,” he said.
South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes also backed Gaude’s claims, saying the minister is “being targeted just for speaking the truth.”
"Gaude's remarks are accurate. This government is more interested in wealth and power than in addressing the real issues," Fernandes said.
The Congress leaders claimed that public sentiment is turning against the BJP and predicted its downfall. “People know this is a corrupt government. They want change, and that change is coming,” said Thakare.
He also dismissed the possibility of Gaude retracting his statement. “Even if he backtracks under pressure, people have already understood the truth. The truth is out. This is a government by the corrupt, for the corrupt,” he added.
