The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Goa on Thursday alleged that the state's Public Works Department Minister Ramakrishna alias Sudin Dhavalikar's Bachelor of Science degree is "fake".
While the party gave the minister 24 hours to respond or else it would file a police complaint, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party's (MGP) Lavoo Mamledar called the allegation "baseless".
Dhavalikar did not complete his graduation in 1979-80 though he claimed so in his sworn affidavit filed before the Election Commission, AAP's Dinesh Vaghela said at a press conference in Panaji.
Dhavalikar is a member of the MGP that is one of the two parties supporting the BJP-led government in the state. Vaghela heads the AAP's disciplinary cell.
"The AAP in Goa has reasons to believe that Dhavalikar may not have completed the said course and hence may not possess the degree he has claimed in his sworn affidavit," said Vaghela.
In his sworn affidavit submitted to the local poll authority, Dhavalikar said he obtained a BSc degree from South Goa's Parvatibai Chowgule College (then affiliated to the University of Mumbai) in academic year 1979-80.
The AAP, which was forced to drop the then law minister Jitendra Singh Tomar from the Delhi Cabinet following similar accusations about fake degree, said the party has evidence to suggest that Dhavalikar did not complete his graduation.
"We are giving Dhavalikar 24 hours to respond, failing which we will file an FIR with the state police against him for disclosing wrong information on affidavit," Vaghela said.
While Dhavalikar could not be contacted on phone despite several attempts, party MLA and spokesperson Lavoo Mamledar said: "He (Dhavalikar) completed his graduation along with me. We both studied in the college at the same time."
Mamledar also said that the allegations were baseless. "I do not know for what reason these allegations are being made. The claims are wrong."
BJP spokesman Wilfred Misquita said it was "up to the Election Commission to take action against legislators" in case incorrect affidavits were filed.
The MGP, which has three legislators, is a coalition partner in the state government along with Goa Vikas Party.
