by Irfan Iqbal Gheta
Two types of fireworks went off on Friday morning. NDA in the Bihar State Assembly Election 2025 emerged victorious with a sweeping majority, and that set off fireworks in Goa.
While the celebrations were in full swing, Pooja Naik of cash-for-jobs scam fame emerged, accompanied by Shri Bab Amit Palekar, the Aam Aadmi Party’s state chief.
Under the tutelage of Shri Amit Bab, Pooja went ahead and publicly named a powerful minister whose involvement in the alleged scam had until now been whispered only in hushed tones.
Soon after the allegations became public, the said minister put on a brave face and played down the development with a poker face.
He said, “Listen. Everybody knows who I am. Nobody can malign my name. You know. Once the crime branch completes its investigation, I will issue a statement. Until then, a self-imposed gag order.”
Oh really. How sweet. What is going to happen now? It is the question on everybody’s lips. That said, it is over to Goa CM Dr Pramod Sawant now. The Opposition is unanimously asking for the said minister’s scalp, coupled with a fair and impartial investigation by a retired High Court Judge or the central agencies. Will the CM budge?
The said minister’s grandstanding notwithstanding, what is expected is a voluntary resignation until the investigating agencies give a clean chit.
“I would like to tender my resignation in the light of certain politically motivated allegations made against me. I have full faith in the investigating agencies. I am sure that the truth will prevail in the end. Until then, see you later.”
If this happens, it will be a moral victory for both Goa CM Dr Pramod Sawant and his party. The minister under the cloud of suspicion can be rehabilitated later once the dust settles. This is par for the course.
If this does not happen, Dr Pramod Sawant will have a tough time. His cabinet colleague, in a well orchestrated charade, will be made to sing eulogies in favour of the said minister, stating someone like him can never be corrupt, with PR machinery working overtime to turn the tide around.
Interestingly, the party bosses from New Delhi will be watching the rapidly unfolding developments with a keen eye in the days leading to ZP elections, said to be a semi final to the Goa Assembly Elections 2027. A period of two years is a long time in politics, especially in Goa, where the ever-changing political scenario keeps all stakeholders on tenterhooks. There is never a status quo in Goa as far as political activities are concerned. This H Bomb has indeed come at a critical juncture for the ruling party.
Dr Pramod Sawant Ji has made it clear time and again that the investigation in the cash for jobs scam is underway, and the guilty, no matter who they are, will not be spared. It is time to walk the talk now. Or else, the damage will be irreparable.
