Panaji, July 24: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) Working President Sunil Kawthankar has strongly objected to the reported decision of the Goa government to waive approximately ₹2 crore in electricity-related charges for the Formula 4 racing event held at Manohar International Airport, Mopa, alleging that the move places the financial burden of a private commercial event on taxpayers.

In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, Kawthankar alleged that the government had approved bearing the entire cost of power supplied through diesel generators after waiving the organisers’ agreed 50 per cent share.

He termed the decision “shocking and indefensible”, particularly at a time when ordinary electricity consumers in Goa are complaining about high power bills, smart meters and increased electricity charges.

Kawthankar questioned the public interest behind granting such a waiver and sought to know under which policy or legal provision the concession was extended to a private event. He also demanded disclosure of who recommended the waiver and the criteria adopted for approving it.

“Why should taxpayers subsidise a profit-making private enterprise while common consumers are denied relief on their electricity bills?” the Congress leader asked.

The GPCC Working President also referred to a past controversy involving an electricity bill waiver during the tenure of former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. He alleged that the latest decision raised serious questions about the possible misuse of authority and favour being extended to private interests.

Kawthankar further alleged that the circumstances surrounding the waiver “smell of pure corruption” and argued that public funds could not be used to provide financial benefits to private organisers without transparency, accountability and compelling public interest.

He demanded that the government immediately reverse the waiver and direct the organisers to pay the entire electricity charges as originally agreed. Congress has also sought publication of the Cabinet note, approvals, file notings and correspondence connected with the decision.

Kawthankar additionally demanded a high-level independent inquiry to determine whether there was any misuse of office, abuse of discretion or undue favour shown to the organisers.

“Every rupee waived in favour of a private company is a rupee extracted from the hard-earned money of the taxpayers of Goa,” Kawthankar stated in the letter.