Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai launched a scathing attack on the state government, accusing it of 'wasteful' expenditure on events and claiming that benefits from the resumption of mining activities have not reached the people.
Speaking in the state assembly, Sardesai alleged that the government was 'taking over of masjids in the same way companies are taken over', and said 'extraordinary circumstances' prevailed in the coastal state.
He questioned the government's spending of ₹74 crore on various events, claiming that public money was being used for publicity rather than addressing problems affecting people.
Sardesai pointed out that ₹13.22 crore was spent on a 'Vikasit Bharat' event in his constituency, alleging that people were brought in from the neighbouring states of Maharashtra and Karnataka to attend the programme.
He also alleged that ₹9.48 crore was spent on hoardings and advertisements during the G20 Summit-related activities in Goa, and funds meant for mining welfare were being diverted for electricity-related purposes.
Sardesai criticised the government's waste management policies, stating that more than ₹500 crore had been spent on projects, but cleanliness remained a major concern.
He also claimed that although mining activities had resumed, people of the state did not have job opportunities.
Sardesai alleged that mining leases were structured in such a way that even temples were brought within the lease areas, triggering protests in affected regions.
