Prabhav Naik seeks clarification from Digambar Kamat over alleged ₹75 lakh Ganesh pandal expenditure
Margao:
The shocking revelation of the Margao Sarvajanik Shree Ganeshotsav Mandal’s 75 lakh Pandal Scandal, allegedly funded through MLALAD–PWD funds, has exposed a serious misuse of public money. The scandal surfaced soon after the 2025 Ganesh Chaturthi, yet the Margao MLA-turned-PWD Minister Digambar Kamat has chosen to remain silent. On the occasion of Maagh Ganesh Jayanti, accountability and transparency were demanded by Madganvcho Awaaz & Youth Leader Prabhav Naik, who questioned why Madganvkar are being kept in the dark on such a grave issue.
Mr. Naik stated that Mr. Kamat should clarify the circumstances related to the alleged expenditure and whether the funds were utilised in accordance with established norms. He said the public was entitled to information on the issue.
He further said that after the matter came to light last year, Madganvcho Awaaz contacted several Ganeshotsav mandals in Margao to understand standard practices. According to him, most mandals stated that they fund their pandal-related expenses independently and that they had not received government assistance for pandal construction in the last three years.
Mr. Naik added that some mandals shared audited financial statements, which are published in their annual souvenirs and available in the public domain. He said these documents indicated that mandals manage their own finances and raised questions about the alleged use of MLALAD–PWD funds for a Ganesh pandal.
Madganvcho Awaaz has submitted a formal complaint to the South Goa District Collector requesting an inquiry into the matter, including details of the expenditure and the fund trail. Mr. Naik said that the organisation had not yet received any communication regarding action taken on the complaint.
He further said that an RTI application has now been filed seeking information on the steps taken by the district administration in response to the complaint. According to him, the organisation intends to continue pursuing clarity on the matter.
