A media report revealed that the letters written by former governor Satypal Malik to the Prime Minister and Home Minister are not available at the Raj Bhavan. It indicates government attempts to cover up the large-scale corruption and protect CM Pramod Sawant.
While addressing media on Saturday, AAP vice president Valmiki Naik said, “An RTI filed to seek copies of all the official letters written by Malik to the PM during Malik’s tenure revealed that the letters are missing at the Raj Bhavan. The PIO for the Raj Bhavan, while stating that the information was not available, surmised that there is a separate system of direct communication between the Governor and higher authorities and hence such letters may not have been kept on record. In the absence of the letters, it was the duty of the PIO to contact Governor Malik and request him to hand over copies of his letters for the Raj Bhavan’s record. Instead of doing his duty, the PIO tried to give justifications for the absence of the letters, this clearly showing that he was under pressure to brush the issue under the carpet”, Naik added.
“Instead of making such statements PIO should have contacted governor. The PIO hiding the letters on the instructions of CM”, alleged Naik.
Earlier, Malik as the governor of Meghalaya has levelled allegations against the Goa CM and his government. He had stated “there was rampant corruption in anything and everything the Goa government did”.
“Corruption in Goa has become a pressing issue. The Goans are now realizing the negative impact corruption has on the basic amenities provided to them by the government. We had celebrated Diwali but Narkasur effigy of the corruption haven’t burnt out yet. The Goa government is taking loan every month to provide salary to government employees. The Goa government was busy doing corruption even in Covid times. Having seen this, former governor had sent the letter to the PM seeking an action against people who are involved in it. Unfortunately, the central government took action against Malik and transferred him to Meghalaya”, said Naik.
“A couple of days ago AAP exposed the IFFI tender scam of 70 lakhs and now the media report exposed the missing letters written to the PM by former governor Satypal Malik. It is time and time again demonstrated that Malik’s statement is true by the type of incidents that are occurring in the state”, said Naik.
AAP leader Amit Palekar said, “It is the duty of the PIO to lodge a complaint if letters went missing. This is a serious matter. The central and state government and PIO is trying to cover large scale corruption. Therefore, we call on Goans to vote for honest government”.