Team Herald
PANJIM: The Opposition has criticised the government for scheduling only a two-day Assembly session next month, questioning how meaningful discussions can take place when the first day is likely to be devoted to the Governor’s address.
Last month, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that, as the first session of the year, proceedings would begin with a customary address by Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai.
Speaking to O Heraldo, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) Vice President Sunil Kawthankar said, “It is not a two-day session because the first day will be taken up by the Governor’s address, which is just a script provided by the government. Legislators will have only one day to discuss numerous state issues. This is a clear move by the BJP government to scuttle democracy. They want to bulldoze democracy as they believe in Nazism. They do not want to face public issues in the assembly. Otherwise, what is the point of holding a one-day session? Even ruling MLAs will not have time to speak about the problems in their constituencies."
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) President Amit Palekar also criticised the decision, stating, "Nothing can be done in just one day. They simply want to rush through the session. The government is avoiding questions raised by the opposition, such as AAP’s concerns over job scams and corruption. Important public issues will not be addressed."
Palekar further alleged that the government fears accountability, saying, "The irony is that they talk about the Constitution, but they are undermining its very mandate. The right of MLAs to ask questions is being taken away. "
Meanwhile, Goa Assembly Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar recently announced that the Chief Minister has agreed to convene a longer budget session in March.