Margao – Madganvcho Awaaz & Youth Leader Prabhav Naik has written to Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, demanding the immediate removal of the PWD portfolio from Digambar Kamat and a high-level inquiry into the alleged misuse of public funds for Ganeshotsav pandals in Margao over the past three years.
Prabhav Naik stated that RTI reply has exposed “Pandal Scandal” of 75 lakhs in Margao. As per the documents, pandal works at eight locations in Margao were tendered for around 24.96 lakh each year between 2023 and 2025, indicating direct misuse of government funds.
He further stated that the funds for these works were drawn from the MLA Local Area Development Scheme, directly implicating the defector Margao MLA turned PWD Minister Digambar Kamat. “This appears to be a clear case of financial manipulation under the guise of devotion,” Prabhav Naik said, urging the Chief Minister to ensure an impartial and transparent probe.
He pointed out that Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandals in Margao have been erecting pandals from their own funds, and these Mandals are registered societies or trusts with audited accounts. “How were tenders floated and payments sanctioned without the knowledge or consent of the Ganeshotsav Mandals?” he questioned.
Prabhav Naik also appealed to all Ganeshotsav Mandals in Margao to stand by truth and not succumb to any political pressure, stating that faith should never be used to justify corruption or wrongdoing.
Madganvcho Awaaz has urged the Chief Minister to immediately remove the PWD portfolio from Digambar Kamat, order a time-bound high-level inquiry, make all tender and payment records public, and hold all responsible officials and contractors accountable. “This is not just about finances, it’s about faith,” Prabhav Naik asserted.
