South Goa MP Seeks Probe into Alleged CEC-Minister Breakfast Meeting
Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes has called for an independent investigation into allegations of a private breakfast meeting reportedly held between members of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) and a minister in connection with the ongoing tiger reserve issue.
Addressing the media in Vasco on Wednesday, Fernandes said that if the reports were true, such an interaction would be “highly unethical” and would undermine the credibility and impartiality of the CEC’s assessment.
“The CEC is expected to function with complete neutrality. Any private engagement with a minister who could have an interest in the matter compromises transparency and goes against judicial ethics,” Fernandes remarked.
He urged Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant to initiate a prompt and transparent inquiry to determine whether such a meeting took place. “Goans deserve clarity. The government cannot remain silent in the face of such serious allegations. The Chief Minister must order a full probe and ensure public confidence in the process,” he added.
Fernandes also stated that he intends to raise the matter in Parliament and consult legal experts on challenging the CEC’s report should any evidence of bias emerge. “I will not allow Goa’s environmental and public interests to be compromised. The tiger reserve issue transcends politics—it’s about safeguarding our state’s ecological future,” he asserted.
