Goa BJP slams Congress' 'suitcase' remark about Gadkari

The Goa unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday slammed the Congress for casting aspersions on Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who was instrumental in putting together a BJP-led coalition government in the state.

In a statement issued here, BJP General Secretary Hemant Golatkar said the charges levelled by All India Congress Committee (AICC) Secretary Girish Chodankar were laughable.

"The Congress is responsible for foisting a 'suitcase' culture and corruption in Goa. Therefore, the charge levelled by Chodankar against Gadkari asking what were the contents of the suitcase is laughable," Golatkar said.

On Tuesday, Chodankar alleged that the Union Minister for Roads, Highways, Transport and Shipping had not spoken the entire truth about how the coalition government was cobbled together in Goa in March, despite the BJP emerging only as the second largest legislature party.

Chodankar said Gadkari had arrived in Goa for negotiation with the potential allies, carrying 'suitcases' and the contents of the bags were not clear, hinting at corruption and conspiracy.

Golatkar said the Congress was trying to mislead the people, especially because the opposition party was on a weak wicket for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls.

--IANS

maya/pgh/vt