“I Haven’t Earned from Politics; I’m 40 Crores in Debt,” Says Minister Mankal Vaidya
Responding to social media claims, the Bhatkal MLA clarified that his recent land acquisitions are for public projects like a hospital and a garment factory, not for personal gain.
Bhatkal: Mankal Vaidya, the MLA for Bhatkal and District In-charge Minister, has publicly responded to accusations from his critics, stating that he has not profited from his political career. Speaking at the “Mahila Congress Conference” in Bailoor, he declared, “I was active in business long before I entered politics. I have not made money from politics, and I never will. In fact, the total debt in my name, my wife’s name, and my daughter’s name is over 40 crore rupees.”
The conference was organized under the leadership of his daughter, Beena Vaidya, who is the State Secretary of the Mahila Congress.
Minister Vaidya directly addressed claims on social media that he has been buying land in his daughter’s name. “The truth is, the land I have purchased is not for myself or my family,” he explained. “I have bought 30 acres of land in Murdeshwar to fulfill my promise of building a multi-specialty hospital. The land purchased in the Manki area is for setting up a garment factory.”
He added that the garment factory is planned to begin operations within the next year and aims to provide employment to thousands of women. “I am not here to build property for my family,” Vaidya asserted. “The people will give a proper answer to those who are constantly making false accusations against me on social media.”
The event also highlighted what many political observers see as preparations for Beena Vaidya’s entry into politics, possibly for a future seat under women’s reservation. Several speakers at the conference, including Inayatullah Shahbandri, President of Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem, and former Zilla Panchayat member Albert, praised Beena Vaidya’s skills and leadership.
Mankal Vaidya’s wife, Pushpalata, appealed to the public to give their full support to her daughter Beena as she steps into politics. In her own address, Beena Vaidya requested support for the Mahila Congress wing.
Also present at the event were Block Congress President Venkatesh Naik, former Zilla Panchayat member Sindhu Bhaskar Naik, Bhatkal Mahila Congress President Naina Naik, Manki Congress President Usha Naik, and other officials.
