GFP will set new standards of probity in public life: Vijai

Margao: Finding himself in a spot over the controversy surrounding the swanky new car purchased by chairperson of Margao Municipal Council (MMC) Babita Prabhudessai, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai has turned the adversity into an opportunity.
Stressing that the Goa Forward Party (GFP), promoted by him, will set "new standards of probity in public life". Sardesai said, "If I ever became a minister, I will not use a government vehicle, but use my own."
Speaking to reporters over the issue, Sardesai expressed his disapproval over Prabhudesai's act of indiscretion and suggested that she return the vehicle and make good whatever losses that have been sustained by the MMC coffers.
"Although it is legally right, I feel it was morally wrong. The chairperson should return the car, pay the difference, get all the money spent back into the municipal coffers and set an example for the rest of the 12 municipal councils to follow. We at Goa Forward Party will lead the way to bring probity in public life," Sardesai said.
Though he failed to explain how it was "legally right", Sardesai cited instances of Ponda, Curchorem, Cancona municipalities that have purchased cars for the use of their respective chairpersons.
"On #IndependenceDay lets opt 4 #austerity 2 avoid wasteful expenditure. Why not use personal cars 4 official purpose?" tweeted Sardesai.
The chairperson's car stirred a controversy last week after city-based lawyer Rajeev Gomes filed a complaint with the anti-corruption branch (ACB) of the Goa police against the chairperson and the chief officer of the MMC for the purchase of the 18 lakh car for the chairperson's use through municipal funds. Gomes alleged in the complaint that the purchase of the car was made by violating guidelines laid down by the state finance department for purchase of vehicles by autonomous bodies.
Sardesai's open acknowledgement of the chairperson's "morally wrong" move assumes significance as Prabhudesai owes allegiance to Sardesai. She was among the 11 councillors elected to the 25-member Margao civic body by contesting the polls on the Fatorda Forward panel floated by Sardesai.
"Fatorda Forward has entered politics to set a new direction to Goa's politics. We haven't come to enjoy at the cost of the public exchequer. We are not in public life to privately enjoy public benefits…That's the sort of revolution that we need to bring in Goa's politics," Sardesai said.