In a scathing revelation, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has unveiled a web of corruption surrounding the organization of the National Games under the leadership of Goa’s Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant. The AAP has castigated the BJP-led state government, asserting that the event is being exploited for personal gain rather than showcasing Goa’s potential on a national stage.
Amit Palekar, AAP Goa State President stated that the National Games have turned into a farcical circus, orchestrated by CM Pramod Sawant, Sports Minister Govind Gaude, and the Directorate of Sports. Even the Sports Minister appears to be a mere puppet in the hands of the CM.
Palekar exposed that the event management tender associated with the National Games has been meticulously tailored to favor only one entity – Thomas Cook organization. He said, “This company doesn’t have aggregated infrastructure such as transport, catering, and accommodation, yet the tender seems custom-made for their exclusive benefit. By outsourcing every resource required for the National Games, the cost is set to double. It’s evident that the state BJP government is driven by profit motives alone. They are tarnishing Goa’s reputation in the process”.
Adding weight to the accusations, Palekar revealed, “Even an event management agency has lodged a complaint with Vigilance Cell against the BJP government, alleging that the National Games tender was deliberately structured to favor Thomas Cook organization.”
The AAP further underscored the shocking priorities of the Goa government, as Sunil Signapurkar, an AAP leader, criticized the deplorable state of sports infrastructure. He pointed out, “The government remained dormant for years, only to scramble for last-minute arrangements. The BJP government operates like an emergency response unit, remembering its responsibilities only in the eleventh hour.”
“Why has the government not disclosed the venues or the event schedule for the National Games, which are mere weeks away? Athletes rely on this information to book accommodations and travel plans. This lack of transparency is bound to hinder their preparations for the event scheduled in October”, said Siganapurkar.
Valmiki Naik, another AAP leader, unveiled corruption within the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence’s catering services for athletes residing at the center. Naik revealed that the Sports Authority had rejected initial bids, citing high costs, only to announce a new tender with even higher costs.
Naik concluded, “These revelations serve as a stark reminder that the BJP government is not working in the best interests of Goa or its talented sportspeople. Instead, they seem focused on personal gains at the expense of the state’s reputation and the aspirations of its athletes.”
The AAP calls upon Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to reconsider the path he is leading Goa down and to prioritize the state’s honor over personal interests.