By Aires Rodrigues
He has officially let the cat out of the bag. It now seems that the truth has started emanating from the horse’s mouth. Goa State BJP Vice President and party spokesman Dr Wilfred Mesquita who himself is enjoying cabinet status after having been politically rehabilitated as NRI Commissioner being an unnecessary burden to the State Exchequer in a interview with Goa Chronicle said,
“Zero-corruption is our mantra. But unfortunately here is a fact, corruption in the state still exists even though it is our government”.
Dr Mesquita in his interview went on to say “Corruption and corrupt practice exists at all levels across departments, giving bribes and taking bribes still continues”.
Dr Mesquita has only reiterated the ground reality which is known to all. He may now not be able to wriggle out of what he said as the entire interview was reportedly recorded. As party spokesman for once he has spoken the truth. He will however have to explain as to what action his party’s government has taken on the people he has seen or knows taking and giving bribes. The so called mantra of Zero tolerance to Corruption is a hoax. This government has been nine months in office and Corruption continues unabated. Only the agents, brokers and beneficiaries have changed. Selective targeting of certain individuals is an old game, to keep opponents busy and the public fooled that there is a genuine cleanup drive.
The reason why the Chief Minister is shying from having a sturdy Lokayukta is obvious. That Manohar Parrikar chose to give Shobha Dumaskar two extensions in service as Director of Prosecution despite a Corruption related Court directed F.I.R of cheating against her is just an instance of the rot below.
For his outbursts on corruption against his own government, Dr Mesquita may now have to scout for a new party. It will however not be an arduous task for someone who has seen one to many. From the MGP to the Congress and later to the Save Goa Front with then joining the BJP, he has toured it all. If the clock ticks he may wade through to the NCP and could even land in Mamata Banerjee’s TMC as his constituency has a big chunk of voters from West Bengal. Let us however hope that Manohar Parrikar does not punish Mesquita for speaking the truth. The Vasco Gynecologist would hate to see his dream come true of cabinet status with red beacon abruptly aborted.
