Accuses govt of ‘protecting’ guilty contractors
PANAJI
The Opposition Congress on Tuesday hit out at the BJP government saying it is “protecting contractors” responsible for the shoddy road works.
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president, Amit Patkar, demanded to know how many contractors have been blacklisted and also if any work has been carried out under the ‘defect liability period’. “I dare Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to disclose how many works are undertaken under ‘Defect Liability Period’ and how many contractors are blacklisted so far.”
Flanked by both of the party’s district presidents, Patkar told the media at a press conference that during the Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to the State the roads in Panjim were hot-mixed under the Defect Liability Period.
Referring to the rise in accidents, Patkar said injured patients were being put at risk when they are taken to the South Goa District Hospital, where there is no department of neuro-surgery.
“Why patients with head injuries are being sent from Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to South Goa District Hospital when the government is aware that there is no neuro-surgery unit in SGDH? Critical patients should be sent directly to the Goa Medical College and Hospital which will save precious time,” Patkar said.
Cong to strengthen in all 40 seats
Responding to a query, Patkar said he is tasked with strengthening the party across the State.
“I am the State President of the Congress which is a national party. It is my duty to strengthen the Congress in all 40 constituencies of Goa. Dynamics of Lok Sabha and Assembly elections vary, Patkar said.
The Congress chief made the remark in the context of the alliance the party had with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and others during the Lok Sabha election in May and talk that the two parties were exploring fighting the next assembly elections in the State due in 2027 together.
