Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has chosen not to respond to allegations from the Opposition that their questions are being sidelined ahead of the upcoming Monsoon Session of the Goa Legislative Assembly. When questioned by the media on the matter, Sawant simply folded his hands in farewell, offering no comment or clarification.
The controversy arises from growing frustration among Opposition MLAs, who accuse the BJP-led government of systematically limiting their ability to raise important issues in the Assembly. Tensions came to a head earlier this week when Opposition leaders walked out of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting, calling the move to restrict each party to just 20 minutes during the Demand for Grants discussion a “murder of democracy.” They argue this time limit makes it impossible to discuss critical subjects like corruption, law and order, and public welfare.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao and other senior legislators have also alleged that the government is blocking both starred questions—meant for oral response and debate—and unstarred questions, which are to be answered in writing. They claim this approach undermines the Assembly’s essential role in scrutinising government work and holding it accountable to the public.
So far, the government has not issued an official statement addressing these concerns, and the Chief Minister’s refusal to speak has only added to worries about transparency and democratic functioning in the state. With the Monsoon Session set to begin on July 21, the standoff appears likely to escalate, as the Opposition insists on its right to question and debate matters affecting Goa.