Prabhav Naik urges removal of Kamat’s PWD portfolio

MARGAO:
Madganvcho Awaaz and youth leader Prabhav Naik has written to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, seeking the immediate withdrawal of the Public Works Department (PWD) portfolio from Minister Digambar Kamat and a high-level inquiry into the alleged misuse of public funds for Ganeshotsav pandals in Margao over the past three years.

Mr. Naik claimed that information obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act has exposed a “pandal scandal” involving approximately ₹75 lakh. According to the documents cited, pandal works at eight locations in Margao were tendered for about ₹24.96 lakh each year between 2023 and 2025, which he alleged indicates misuse of government funds.

He further stated that the funds were drawn from the MLA Local Area Development Scheme, linking the expenditure directly to Mr. Kamat, who represents Margao and holds the PWD portfolio. “This appears to be a clear case of financial manipulation under the guise of devotion,” Mr. Naik alleged, urging the Chief Minister to ensure an impartial and transparent probe.

Mr. Naik also pointed out that Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandals in Margao traditionally erect pandals from their own funds and maintain audited accounts as registered societies or trusts. “How were tenders floated and payments sanctioned without the knowledge or consent of the Ganeshotsav Mandals?” he questioned.

Appealing to all Ganeshotsav Mandals in the city, Mr. Naik urged them to “stand by truth” and not yield to political pressure, stating that faith should never be used to justify corruption.

Madganvcho Awaaz has called upon the Chief Minister to remove Mr. Kamat’s PWD portfolio, order a time-bound inquiry, make all tender and payment records public, and hold officials and contractors accountable.
“This is not merely a matter of finances, but of faith,” Mr. Naik said.