PANJIM: Questioning the legal knowledge of Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) legal cell chairman Adv Carlos Alvares Ferreira on Wednesday criticised his statement that he will reintroduce the Goa Bhumiputra Adhikari Bill in the Legislative Assembly.
Addressing a press conference at the Congress House, Adv Ferreira said that the changing the name of the bill was a part of the bill itself and it cannot be done in the bedroom. If the government wants to modify it then the bill has to be sent before the Assembly.
Adv Ferreira charged that the chief minister has already changed it on his official facebook and called it as the Bhumi Adhikarni Bill now. He demanded to know why Dr Sawant is not referring to it as the Bhumiputra Adhikarni Bill. Why is he embarrassed? He should not get embarrassed now. He should keep it as it is and say the title will be changed.
“Don’t fool the people on law. Law is not your subject, don’t speak about it. There are two qualifications to be a Bhumiputra. One is a 30-year residence anywhere in Goa and secondly in occupation of a dwelling unit on April 1, 2019. According to that definition, you cannot say that this law does not pertain to rented premises,” Adv Ferreira said.
Adv Ferreira said politics aside, even former chief minister late Manohar Parrikar would not have done such a thing.
”Look at the intention of the government. There are real estate lobby and property dealers, who are out to sell Goa. I appeal to the people of Goa to cross all the political barriers and come together. We shall overcome to protect Goa,” he said.
“All I can say giving a new name is like serving old win in a new bottle,” he said.
