BJP govt failed to create sports infra in last 10 yrs: Valmiki Naik
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, Valmiki Naik has criticized the BJP government over the lack of sports infrastructure in the state. He argued that rather than establishing quality sports facilities, the BJP government has been involved in promoting nepotism, favoritism, and corruption within the sports sector.
While addressing the media on Friday, Naik lamented that while Goans possess the potential for greatness in sports, the state government has failed to provide the necessary support. He pointed out that the National Games hosted by Goa BJP government were a great failure, with no permanent sports infrastructure to show for the crores of rupees spent.
AAP had earlier exposed irregularities in the tendering process before the National Games, shedding light on the incompetence of the private entity selected. Substandard catering, transportation, and accommodation marred the overall experience for players, forcing many to arrange their own necessities due to the lack of adequate provisions.
During the National Games, heavy rain damaged the temporary setup, resulting in hardships for many players. Some games were conducted in darkness in one tent, while another tent faced issues with non-functioning air conditioning. Caterers encountered difficulties in food preparation.
Valmiki Naik said, “The BJP’s shortcomings extend well beyond the last two weeks; they span a history of eight years. When it was announced that Goa would host the next National Games, there was a lack of willingness to take responsibility. It was only in response to a warning from the Indian Olympic Association of a 10 crore fine that last-minute arrangements were made for the National Games event.”
Naik noted that during the opening ceremony, the sidelining of key leaders within the BJP government was witnessed, raising concerns about the treatment of influential bahujan figures within the party.
AAP State Vice President Sandesh Teleikar Dessai has called for a comprehensive audit report of the National Games, urging that it be made available to the public. Teleikar criticized the BJP government for failing to arrange an audience for the National Games’ closing ceremony, which had fewer than 200 attendees, even with Hon’ble Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar as the chief guest.
Teleikar questioned why permanent infrastructure wasn’t established despite the government having knowledge about the National Games two years in advance. He highlighted the missed opportunity for Goan players, citing that if permanent infrastructure had been constructed, Goan athletes could have potentially garnered 250-300 medals for the state.
AAP State Vice President Sunil Signapurkar AAP State Vice President Sunil Signapurkar criticized the Goa BJP government for hosting the National Games in makeshift tent-like structures, likening it to a circus. He pointed out that hosting the National Games is a significant chance to develop better infrastructure, with the central government providing budget for creating permanent facilities. However, the Pramod Sawant government missed this opportunity and wasted a substantial amount on temporary tents, subpar civil work, and superficial painting under the guise of renovation.