PORVORIM: Independent MLA Vijai Sardesai on Monday moved a breach of privilege motion against the Ministers and government officers of five departments for failing to reply to the questions tabled during the ongoing Session within the stipulated time. The first day of the 15- day long monsoon session of the State Assembly commenced with opposition benches raising point of order over Ministers and departmental failure to submit the replies to the question either on time or no reply. The Fatorda MLA also noted that his crucial question, which was slated for answering on Monday, as per the record till Sunday evening, is now been shown as “disallowed”. Terming the matter as serious, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar requested Speaker Anant Shet to looking into the grievances on priority. The Chief Minister, however, said that he inquired with few ministers including State Water Resources Department minister Dayanand Mandrekar who claimed that they have cleared the file (of the answers) last Friday (which is much in advance). Sardesai told the House pointing that as per the Assembly proceedings, the ministers are required to provide answers to the LAQs within 48 hours of its tabling. Raising the point of order, Sardesai said 66 per cent of the questions tabled on the floor of the House by him are unanswered. “What is that the government trying to hide?” the Independent legislator asked. The MLA has moved breach of privilege motion against departments of Home, Vigilance (both with Chief Minister), Public works department, Tourism and Housing. “Let this matter be taken up immediately and necessary action be taken against the concerned Minister and officials of the departments, who have deliberately not made available the answers to me, thus breaching my privilege, as the member of this August House,” Sardesai said in his letter to Secretary State Assembly. The questions that are unanswered were slated for reply on Monday and Tuesday. Sardesai was supported by other opposition benches including Leader of Opposition Pratapsingh Rane, Congress MLA Digambar Kamat and Independent MLA Rohan Khaunte. BJP MLA Ganesh Gaonkar also expressed similar concern and stated “what is the point in raising questions, if such things are going to happen”.
