PANJIM: Opposition MLAs criticised the State government for the way it handled the adjournment of the Assembly. “The reason given for the adjournment of the house is because the model of conduct is in force. We had demanded this in the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting. Another reason given is prevailing circumstances. That could be anything, could be the pandemic. However, we don’t know what the intention of the government is. Their budget has more questions than answers. Goa and its assets have been put on clearance sale by the government,” said Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai.
He stressed that following the vote on account; the government should show responsibility and be judicious when it comes to its budget expenditure.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
He added that the government used the Assembly session to promote itself via the budget but that the manner in which the government is facing criticism since then, it suits the government to curtail the session.
Sardesai who is a BAC member recalled that they had to complain to the Governor, the State Election Commission and to the media after the Chief Minister refused to curtail the session earlier. “The government is not interested in application of mind. It is more a matter of convenience to them. That is why now they have technically shown that they have conceded to our demand,” he added.
Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat who was also part of the BAC said the decision was better late than never.
“Finally, the insensitive BJP Government headed by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was compelled to shed its ego and accept the Opposition demand on adjourning the ongoing assembly session in view of the municipal elections code of conduct said,” said the Margao MLA.
“Today, after the State Election Commissioner announced the municipal election schedule, the Code of Conduct came into force. Fortunately, better sense prevailed and the otherwise irresponsible BJP Government accepted the recommendations of the Opposition,” Kamat added.
He further stated that it is important in democracy that the guidelines of the constitution are followed.
“There is a precedence that no major announcements are made when any election code is in force. The assembly session would have given the Government a chance to lure voters with some fresh announcements,” the former Chief Minister added.
Independent MLA Rohan Khaunte expressed caution over the fact that the government won’t be grilled on various administrative failures. He also pointed out that in the last year there was no prolonged budget session and this year too it was held only for a few days and postponing it to July maybe a bit late as the government won’t be held accountable in the House until the next session.
“There are very important issues to the State and constituencies that we wanted to discuss. Like the main budget, Mollem etc. Some of these issues are relevant to the next three to four months. There is Mhadei wherein by April or May there will be a decision. There is COVID which is a daily issue,” the Porvorim legislator added.
