HERALD: Fatordal MLA Vijai Sardesai (among other opposition MLA’s) has been time and again saying that you have not been giving him time to speak and that he has been cut in between several times. What is your reaction?
RAJENDRA ARLEKAR: I don’t think ruling party should get more time, or that Opposition should get less time or vice versa. With respect to Vijai he does not articulate his questions properly and does not conclude his queries within the time allotted. I don’t interrupt in between even though he crosses the stipulated time. I have allowed this previously. I know that he comes well-prepared with many issues but he should know how to put it across within the given time. As a Speaker I will give an opportunity for healthy debates.
HERALD: You are affiliated to the BJP for many years. Now that you are the Speaker, is it going to be a big challenge for you to stay neutral?
RAJENDRA ARLEKAR: Yes, initially I was a bit uncertain whether I should have accepted the post because it was difficult to shift from partisan to neutrality. But then, I said to myself that as I’m a representative of both the parties, I have certain responsibilities and duties to fulfil. I cannot be biased towards any party or individual. As a Speaker, I will oversee the sessions fairly and give equal attention and opportunity to both the parties. Of course, I have worked with the BJP members for several years… and grown up with many of them. I have had less contact with members of the Opposition. They were considered as rivals but like I said earlier, I have made up my mind to be neutral and nothing can change that. I will maintain that stand.
HERALD: There is a difference between the Goa Legislative Assembly and the Vidhan Sabhas of other States in terms of parliamentary and non-parliamentary words. The word/slang ‘re’ is often used during the sessions while communicating with each other in Goa. As a Speaker, what is your take on that?
RAJENDRA ARLEKAR: We in Konkani say ‘re’ casually to each other. It is not considered as a non-parliamentary word as nobody takes offence to it here. The usage of words and judging them as not appropriate depends on the situation and intention. I will assess the situation and identify in what context the MLA said a particular word or sentence.
