Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Girish Chodankar has demanded the resignation or removal of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant over the alleged cash-for-jobs scam, calling for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe monitored by the Bombay High Court at Goa.
Chodankar questioned the pace of the investigation involving Ajit Shankhwalkar and allegations of forged signatures of the Chief Minister on fake appointment orders. He alleged that the government’s response to the controversy had raised serious concerns about accountability and the possibility of political interference.
Raising questions about Shankhwalkar’s alleged presence on the Goa Assembly premises alongside senior police officers, Chodankar sought clarity on who facilitated such access and why the investigation had not progressed with the urgency expected in a case involving allegations of forged official documents.
“When allegations involve forged signatures of the Chief Minister and fake appointment orders bearing his name, the people of Goa deserve immediate answers,” Chodankar said, questioning whether anyone was shielding those allegedly involved.
The Congress leader criticised what he described as the Chief Minister’s silence and lack of urgency, asserting that the allegations could not be dismissed through routine statements or political responses. He said the government had a responsibility to ensure a transparent, impartial and time-bound investigation.
Chodankar also claimed that the controversy had eroded public confidence in the recruitment system and raised concerns about possible links between political functionaries and sections of the administration.
The Congress has called for the immediate resignation or removal of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, stating that the allegations surrounding forged signatures and fake appointment orders require political accountability. The party has also demanded an independent SIT investigation into the entire alleged scam under the monitoring of the Bombay High Court at Goa, arguing that such oversight would help ensure a fair and transparent probe free from political interference.
Additionally, Chodankar has called for an independent examination of the alleged role and conduct of a senior police officer of Superintendent of Police rank. He said appropriate criminal action should follow if evidence establishes complicity, abetment or other wrongdoing.
The Congress leader further urged investigators to establish the authenticity and source of the allegedly forged documents, identify those responsible for preparing and circulating them, and determine whether political or administrative influence was used to facilitate the alleged fraud.
“The people of Goa cannot be expected to accept a situation in which allegations of fake appointments, forged signatures and possible political connections are met with silence and delay,” Chodankar said, adding that no individual should escape accountability because of political or official connections.
Reiterating the party’s stand, Chodankar said Congress would continue to demand answers and an independent investigation until the truth emerges.
The allegations and demands made by the Congress form part of the ongoing political controversy surrounding the alleged cash-for-jobs scam. The claims regarding political connections, forged documents and the conduct of officials remain allegations and require verification through an impartial investigation.
