Illegal Mining: Goa CM faces allegations of aiding 3,000 cr

Goa CM Digambar Kamat’s fate depends on the independent commission probing illegal mining in the state, as the Congress is reluctant to act on the basis of the state’s Public Accounts Committee’s report which has an eerie similarity to the goings ...

By Subodh Ghildiyal, TNN | Updated: Sep 27, 2011, 07.29 AM IST

NEW DELHI: Goa CM Digambar Kamat’s fate depends on the independent commission probing illegal mining in the state, as the Congress is reluctant to act on the basis of the state’s Public Accounts Committee’s report which has an eerie similarity to the goings on at the Centre.

Kamat is facing allegations of patronizing illegal mining with reports pegging it at Rs 3,000 crore. He is even on a weak support base within the party and a concerned AICC is likely to send state head Jagmeet Brar to meet party legislators for their views on issues of governance.

While the charges are seen as serious, the matter has been complicated by a leaked draft report of PAC, headed by BJP’s state chief Manohar Parrikar, accusing the CM and some ministers of illegal mining.

What is troubling for Congress is the uncanny similarity to leaked PAC reports at the Centre on 2G scam which brought Congress and BJP at loggerheads. The Congress dubbed the leak as motivated to corner UPA.

Instead, sources said, Kamat’s fate would depend on Shah Commission, which was appointed by Parliament to probe alleged illegal mining in Goa. The panel has already visited the state and collected details.

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