Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Oct 22: Independent MLA Prasad Gaonkar on Wednesday said that he is submitting a letter to the governor withdrawing support to Pramod Sawant led BJP government following allegations of settings in IIT land deals at Sanguem,

Previously Sawant launched an attack on Gaonkar followed by BJP spokesperson Damu Naik who accused Gaonkar of indulging in ‘settings’ while locating land for the IIT in Sanguem.

Speaking at a press conference Gaonkar asked, “If CM feels I have done setting, what stops CM from conducting an enquiry into these so-called dealings?”

He expressed disappointment on the chief minister's statement to an MLA who has extended support to him were not becoming.

“I am withdrawing support to this government, I will submit the letter to Governor Bhagat Singh Khoshyari now. I have lost all respect for this Chief Minister and there is no point being with him,” Gaonkar said.

Taking dig at former Fatorda MLA Damu Naik for his statement Gaonkar said, “Damu should not teach others lessons about commission.”

Explaining further, Gaonkar said three locations were identified for the IIT project in Sanguem at Cotarli, Rivona and Uguem. Rivona land was 100 percent owned by government and was barren land. “How come one get commission on government land?” he asked.

Regarding the Sanjivani Sugar Factory, he said there is no need for a new factory and the existing factory, with minor alterations, can be made viable.