Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI :Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Girish Chodankar demanded a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the alleged cash-for-jobs scam, questioning the reported links of individuals associated with the BJP and calling for the immediate removal of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant.
Chodankar raised questions over the reported involvement of Pooja Naik, Deepashri Gawas, Shridhar Kerkar Satarkar of Priol and Ajit Shankwalkar of Panaji, who is reportedly an active BJP karyakarta. He questioned whether the alleged political connections indicated a wider network operating behind the scam.
“Why do BJP links keep surfacing with every new arrest? Is this merely a coincidence, or does it point towards a larger network that the investigating agencies must uncover?” Chodankar asked.
He said the people of Goa deserved to know whether the alleged scam was confined to individual acts or involved a wider network of intermediaries and politically connected persons. He stressed that all allegations must be investigated thoroughly and that no one should be shielded because of political affiliation or influence.
Chodankar also raised concerns over an alleged fake appointment order for an Excise Commissioner, stating that the matter raised serious questions about the misuse of official documents, the credibility of government procedures and the possibility of fraud in the name of public employment.
“The alleged fake Excise Commissioner appointment order makes this case even more serious. The scale and nature of the allegations warrant a detailed investigation into the possible flow of money, the role of intermediaries and any political patronage,” he said, drawing a comparison with the infamous Abdul Karim Telgi fake stamp paper scam.
Questioning the role of central investigating agencies, Chodankar asked where the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were and whether financial transactions and possible wider connections had been adequately examined.
He said a comprehensive investigation should be initiated if evidence pointed towards a larger network, adding that the people of Goa deserved answers.
Chodankar held Chief Minister Sawant accountable for ensuring a fair investigation, noting that he also holds the Home portfolio. He said the probe must establish whether politically connected individuals were involved, whether money changed hands and whether anyone attempted to misuse official authority.
“There must be no selective action and no protection for the influential,” he asserted.
The Congress leader demanded a detailed probe into all aspects of the alleged scam, including reported political connections, financial transactions, the authenticity of the appointment order and the possible involvement of other individuals. He also called for accountability at the highest level of government.
Highlighting the concerns of unemployed youth, Chodankar said any alleged racket that exploits job seekers by demanding money in exchange for employment would constitute a grave betrayal of their trust.
“If the government cannot ensure transparency in recruitment and accountability in such a serious case, the Chief Minister must take responsibility,” he said.
Reiterating his demand, Chodankar called for an impartial investigation, action against everyone found guilty and the immediate removal of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant.
