Panaji, May 16: Congress party has sought clarification from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant about a rumor that suggests involvement of the latter in ‘Benami company’ named as ‘Surya Transport’, which is awarded transport contracts of e-auction mining ore.
Congress General Secretary Vijay Bhike on Tuesday addressed a press conference and attacked the BJP government for failing to give employment to the locals.
North Goa District President Virendra Shirodkar and South Goa Youth Congress President Mahesh Nadar were also present.
“Goans still remember the statement of former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar that he himself had suspended the mining activities in 2012, which the BJP government failed to resume despite giving promises at every election. Today all the mining dependents are suffering and many have no income source. However, one ‘Surya Transport’ is getting all the transport contracts of e-auctioned ore across Goa. There are many transport contractors, why only ‘Surya Transport’ is getting these contracts,” Bhike questioned.
He said that there are many truck drivers, owners, mining machinery owners who are suffering due to suspension of mining activities, who should get work of e-auctioned mining ore handling.
Bhike said that there is rumor that Pramod Sawant is a partner in this ‘Surya Transport’ firm or may be running it in ‘benami’ style. “Chief Minister should give clarification on this.” Bhike said.
He said that the government has failed to create jobs, but during the election they give promises of creating employment.
“Their poll promises have always turned out to be Jumla. BJP always creates a big picture of promises, but fails to deliver,” Bhike said.
Bhike said that when Parrikar was defense minister he had promised to create 50 to 80 thousand jobs, later Pramod Sawant also promised to create 8 to 10 thousand jobs. “Where are all these jobs gone? Why is this government hoodwinking our youths and testing their patience,” he questioned.
He also said that the BJP at centre had said that jobs will be created, but even the primary engine failed to keep its promise.
“In 2024 Lok Sabha election BJP will again give the promise of jobs. I urge youths not to fall prey to their tactics.” He said.
He also appealed to youths to know about the ‘commissions targets’ of some ministers and also about their benami businesses.
