Team Herald
PANJIM: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Goa State has hailed the decision of Speaker Rajesh Patnekar dismissing the disqualification petitions filed against 10 former MLAs of Congress MLAs and two of MGP’s.
The party has also condemned the Congress’ remark for calling Speaker ‘biased.’
“We welcome the judgment passed by the Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, as regards to the Disqualification Petition. In view of the order, the entire issue that were in the public forum will hopefully come to rest,” party’s senior leader Narendra Sawaikar said while addressing a press conference in the party head office on Tuesday, minutes after the Speaker’s verdict.
Reacting to allegations on the delay in pronouncing the verdict, Sawaikar said the world has been reeling under COVID-19 crisis since last year. “Even the assembly sessions had to be curtailed due to the pandemic. Nevertheless, in spite of COVID-19 prevailing till ate, the Speaker with all dignity and grace of the office has passed the order,” he added.
Sawaikar, joined by MLA Glen Ticlo also condemned president of Goa Pradesh Congress Committee, Girish Chodankar’s comment calling the Speaker ‘biased.’
“The Congress party president made aspersions against the Speaker. The office of the Speaker is of highest repute and constitutional status. Therefore one has to be careful while making a statement. You have every right to challenge the order but that does not mean you cast aspersions on the Speaker who in the capacity of Tribunal, has passed the judgment,” Sawaikar, also an advocate said.
