Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Mar 13: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Goa is grappling with internal turbulence following explosive allegations of political corruption made by former minister Pandurang Madkaikar. While the party leadership has maintained a composed front, the blunt accusations have undeniably unsettled both the government and the party hierarchy.

Madkaikar’s public denunciation of ministers for being “busy making money” has triggered an internal inquiry within the BJP. State President Damodar (Damu) Naik confirmed that the party is assessing the claims independently of any government response.

“The party has taken cognisance of it. I have not had a detailed discussion with him (Madkaikar), except a brief meeting during Mahashivratri. However, I will be calling him for a discussion soon,” Naik stated in a telephonic conversation.

Madkaikar, a veteran politician with multiple terms as an MLA and minister, is no stranger to Goa’s political landscape. Although sidelined due to health issues following a stroke, his influence remains strong. In 2022, the BJP nominated his wife, Janaki Madkaikar, from his stronghold, Cumbharjua.

During a rare media interaction, Madkaikar alleged that he had personally paid a minister to get his work done, though he refrained from naming the individual. This sensational revelation was made on camera, intensifying the political storm.

On the same day, he also met BJP’s national leader B.L. Santosh, reportedly expressing his desire to contest in the 2027 elections and seeking a party ticket. However, it remains unclear whether his corruption allegations were part of their discussions. When questioned about the meeting, BJP State President Damu Naik denied any knowledge of the details but assured that the party would address the issue with Madkaikar directly.

“The government will decide its own course of action, which is the Chief Minister’s prerogative. But as a party, we are conducting our own internal assessment,” Naik added.

Meanwhile, Goa’s Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has received a complaint from citizen activists based on Madkaikar’s claims, but a formal case has yet to be registered. The government, for its part, has remained largely unresponsive, with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant merely stating that there is nothing incriminating against him in the allegations.

Several ministers, including Mauvin Godinho, Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate, and Vishwajit Rane, have demanded that Madkaikar name the minister he claims to have bribed.

It is rare for a politician in Goa to openly call out their own colleagues for corruption. Whether Madkaikar’s revelations lead to further consequences or are quietly swept under the rug will depend on how the Opposition and other stakeholders respond to this unfolding controversy.