PANJIM: Though there exists the possibility that resolutions for the installation of statues of Dr Jack de Sequeira and Chhatrapati Shivaji in the Assembly complex could come up during the Budget session, the BJP has decided not to issue any whip as of now.
“There will be no whip specifically for the statues, however, there will be a general whip like the one issued for every Assembly session,” BJP State President Vinay Tendulkar told Herald. Aldona MLA Glenn Ticlo, who is usually appointed as party’s chief whip, is likely to hold the power for the ensuing session.
Many party MLAs expect that discussions on the installation of statues might be raised during zero hour or through calling attention motions, despite the Speaker having set aside the private members’ resolutions in the first round. The issue could also figure during the other private members’ business days (Friday) considering that the session concludes on March 21.
However, with the party deciding not to issue any whip, it gives those MLAs adamant on installation of the statues another chance to place their demands. Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo whose resolution for Sequeira’s statue was set aside along with that of NCP’s Churchill Alemao and Congress, was not available for comment, whereas BJP’s Rajesh Patnekar, who had placed a resolution for Shivaji’s statue has repeatedly stated that he would convince MLAs across parties to support his demand. Patnekar’s resolution was also disallowed.
“Until the end of the Assembly session, there would be three weeks left when MLAs can raise the issue on the private members’ day. Moreover, the topic can be tabled for discussion through other ways,” one of the party MLAs said adding that if there is a whip, all will obey it.
Law Minister Francis D’Souza supported respecting the party as well as Legislative Assembly rules stating, “If there is a whip everyone has to follow it, but if there is no whip, the MLAs are free (to decide whether or not raise the issue in the Assembly).”
