Lusofonia Games: Goa Opposition alleges ticketing scam

Panaji: The Goa Legislative Assembly on Friday witnessed heated scenes over alleged irregularities in the distribution of passes for Lusofonia Games which were held in the state early this year.  Independent legislator Vijay Sardesai alleged a massive pass scam in the organisation of the Portuguese Commonwealth games held across six stadiums from 18-29 January. He pointed out that passes were printed in excess of the capacity of the event. The legislator claimed that BJP local mandal president was even injured in the stampede that preceded the final football match at Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Fatorda. Sardesai said the people with valid passes had to watch the final match squatting in the stands. He alleged that around 11,000 passes during the opening event were wasted, while members of legislative assembly were not provided passes as promised by the sports department. State Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, however refused the allegations stating that the overcrowding of the venues were due to good response received for some of the matches. “When valid pass holders did not arrive at the venue before the match started, we allowed the by standers to enter the stadium. The confusion was created when pass holders arrived late, Tawadkar explained on the floor of the House. Dismissing all the allegations made by Sardesai, the ruling benches including Parrikar claimed that the legislator was speaking without proper knowledge about the matter. PTI