Goa: Amid Speaker’s scam allegations, NCP asked why is CM protecting Gowde?

Panaji: The Nationalist Congress Party on Sunday asked why Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was defending his minister Govind Gowde after Assembly Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar accused him of involvement in the scam.

In a media statement, Sharad Pawar-led NCP’s Goa observer Clyde Crasto said Tavadkar had accused Gowde of being involved in a scam related to alleged misuse of funds given to various clubs and organizations by the state art and culture department. .

Crasto said Tawadkar had claimed that CM Sawant was informed about the scam by sarpanches.

Crasto claimed that even when the NCP had raised questions over funds being given for the renovation of the Kala Academy building without inviting tenders, the Chief Minister had defended Gowde.

Crasto said, “After the roof of the art academy collapsed, we had demanded a probe, but to no avail. Why is the CM supporting Gowde? Both Sawant and Gowde are answerable to the people of Goa.”

Gowde, who is the Minister of Arts and Culture, had earlier claimed that the funds were distributed to various clubs and organizations to organize programs to encourage grassroots talent.

Refuting all allegations, Gowde had said that if these clubs and organizations fail to submit utilization certificates to his ministry then the distributed funds are taken back.