Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Goa president Amit Palekar on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Goa government, alleging the existence of a “corruption cartel” and accusing the administration of allowing illegal activities that endanger public safety.
Palekar claimed that a resort in Mandrem is hosting an event in an illegal structure without mandatory permissions, including a Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC), putting the lives of unsuspecting people at risk. He alleged that the resort had earlier defied the Tourism Department and was even fined, yet continues to operate with impunity.
“Despite repeated violations, this is being allowed right under the nose of authorities, who appear helpless due to powerful influence,” Palekar alleged, adding that the BJP government had failed to learn any lessons and had completely lost control over the administration.
Taking a swipe at Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the AAP leader said the situation reflected a breakdown of governance. He remarked that the popular slogan “Go Goa Gone” had become a reality under the present government, asserting that nothing would change except “money changing hands”.
Palekar further alleged that a new avenue of corruption had opened under the pretext of fire safety clearances, claiming that local residents were being harassed for NOCs while select fire equipment vendors had allegedly hiked prices by nearly four times.
“Goa, thy name is corruption,” Palekar said, demanding strict action against illegal constructions and transparency in the grant of fire and other statutory clearances.
