MAPUSA
The Goa Legislative Assembly on Monday was the stage for a fiery debate as Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardessai sharply criticised the government's purported inconsistency in its policies promoting ease of doing business.
Sardessai accused the administration of sending mixed signals to potential investors, highlighting allegations of extortion by a ruling party MLA.
During the Zero Hour, Sardessai lambasted the government for allegedly inviting businessmen to the state under the pretence of fostering a business-friendly environment while simultaneously tolerating coercive practices by its own members.
Specifically, Sardessai pointed fingers at Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar, accusing him of allegedly extorting money from the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) under the guise of threats.
"On one side, the government promotes ease of doing business, yet on the other, one of its own MLAs is reportedly collecting money through intimidation," Sardessai alleged.
He emphasised the adverse impact of such actions, noting that the State government was forfeiting approximately Rs 16 crore annually as companies increasingly choose to relocate from Goa.
In response, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant addressed the assembly, refuting the allegations made by Sardessai.
Sawant assured the house that the issue involving the Mormugao Port Authority over cargo transportation had already been resolved.
"The MPA chairman has explicitly stated that there is no undue intervention from any individual, and the matter has been settled," he said.
The exchange did not end in the assembly.
Later, during a press conference, Sardessai continued his critique of Amonkar. He suggested that Amonkar had a unique ability to drive companies out of Goa, a skill Sardessai sarcastically proposed could be put to better use.
"Amonkar should leverage his unique talent to expel the coal being transported into Goa. If he achieves that, I will support him to be the next Chief Minister of Goa," Sardessai quipped, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
