Parrikar accuses Goa Govt of receiving kickbacks in deals

Panaji, Apr 13 (UNI) Leader of the Opposition in Goa Assembly Manohar Parrikar today charged the Congress-led coalition government headed by Pratapsinh Rane with receiving ''kickbacks'' in contracts of infrastructure development projects ahead of the elections to the State Legislative Assembly.

''Where is the need for hurriedly clearing the contracts involving several crores of rupees just two months before the polls?'' Mr Parrikar questioned at a press conference here.

He cited examples of the multi-crore rupee contract to Delhi-based construction giant DLF and Rs 229-crore PWD works including Rs 120 crore meant for road construction.

He also suspected the intention of the government in converting the heritage GMC complex into a mall for ''consideration'' when it had been opposed tooth and nail by different sections of society, seeking preservation of the structure.

The government could generate funds from the complex by leasing it for 30 years for high-end exhibitions instead of converting it to a mall without waiting for the formation of the new government in June next, he added.

''If we come back to power, we will order a thorough probe into these instances of corruption,'' he said.

Meanwhile, the BJP has intensified door-to-door campaigning and mass contact programme as part of its pre-poll strategy to woo the electorate in all the 40 constituencies even as it decided to contest 32 constituencies on its own.

The party's spokesman Mr Rajiv Pratap Rudy, who was appointed recently as the state observor for the elections, was busy working out strategies for the success of the party.

UNI