Firm on decision to have Assembly during festivities
TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has refused to postpone the ensuing budget session of the State Assembly, which clashes with the Carnival festivities, asserting that “it is not a religious festival,” even as opposition parties have hardened their stand on the matter.
“Is it Good Friday, Diwali, Christmas or Eid that we should not hold assembly session when Carnival is on? Is it a restricted (state government) holiday? It (Carnival) is not a religious festival at all,” he reacted to a media question during a cabinet briefing on Wednesday about demands from various quarters to reschedule the assembly dates.
To another query on even Ash Wednesday on March 5 (first day of the Lent season) coinciding with the assembly session, Parrikar remained adamant not to defer the assembly proceedings.
“Vidhan Sabha is a serious issue. Don’t try to make politics out of serious issues… If someone has objection, submit a representation to the government,” he said slamming the opposing groups for raising such controversies.
The Nationalist Congress Party, Goa unit, has criticized the decision to convene a five-day budget session even though it coincides with Carnival and Ash Wednesday. Partymen had also petitioned Governor Bharat Vir Wanchoo.
Parrikar pointing at the ‘rejected politicians’ for the controversy defended himself saying the festival, which is essentially
for tourists, is technically objected to by everyone.
“Carnival is technically opposed by everyone. We are just holding the parades because they are important from tourism perspective. Even the Church is opposing Carnival,” he
rationalised.
