Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, Aug 20: The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) on Thursday stepped up its criticism of the BJP-led state government, alleging a nexus between those in power and drug networks and claiming that repeated narcotics seizures reflected a failure of the law and order machinery.
GPCC president Girish Chodankar alleged that cannabis was no longer limited to postal consignments but had reached schools, colleges and villages. Referring to repeated drug recoveries from jails, he questioned how narcotics could enter prison premises if the law and order system was functioning effectively.
Chodankar also alleged that Goa Police's Anti-Narcotics Cell had failed to detect several major drug networks and claimed that agencies from Telangana, Delhi and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence had made significant seizures in the state. He further referred to the recovery of drugs worth crores from an industrial estate warehouse allegedly linked to a BJP office bearer and questioned what action had followed a complaint filed by the Congress.
The Congress leader also alleged corruption in the functioning of the BJP-led government and claimed that evidence related to the cash-for-jobs controversy was being suppressed.
The party also raised the issue of casinos in Goa. Chodankar described casinos as a major source of revenue for the BJP and asked the party to disclose whether it had received casino-linked donations for its new headquarters. He said the Congress would consider a policy to shift casinos to a designated location while taking into account the economic impact of the industry.
Former South Goa MP and former chief minister Francisco Sardinha acknowledged that he had supported the introduction of casinos in Goa for tourism purposes during his tenure but said the industry had expanded beyond control. He maintained that only a limited number of casinos were needed in the state.
GPCC working president Sunil Kauthankar also criticised the BJP's position on casinos, recalling the party's opposition to the industry before it came to power in 2012. He also questioned whether the BJP's new headquarters at Kadamba Plateau had the required permission for its basement.
The Congress leaders further alleged that proxy parties were being used to divide opposition votes as political parties continue discussions on possible alliances ahead of the next Assembly elections.