PANJIM: Clearly disappointed for not making it to the 12-member cabinet despite his all-out efforts to save the BJP-led government, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo has refused to accept the post of the Speaker.
Currently Dy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Lobo’s name has been proposed for the post of Speaker, which was vacated after incumbent Dr Pramod Sawant was elevated as Chief Minister of Goa.
However, Lobo says he does not want to take the responsibility.
“As a Speaker I would be like a caged parrot, who cannot take up any issues,” he told Herald.
He said he has always echoed the sentiments of the people in the Assembly.
“I have informed the Chief Minister I do not want to be the Speaker. I am better off as a Dy Speaker as I can take the people’s issues to the floor of the House,” he said.
On officiating as Speaker on the day of the confidence vote, he said, “that is not an issue; it is for just one day.”
Asked whether he was disappointed as he could not make it to the Cabinet, Lobo said, “Well not really. People think this as I left during swearing in ceremony. I was feeling uneasy and started sweating profusely due the rush in the Darbar hall. I felt better when I came out and left,” he said.
