Says he was misunderstood on special status discussion
TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Congress’ Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik criticised the non participation from BJP MPs in the discussion on a private member’s resolution he moved in the Upper House demanding special status for Goa.
The bill was an apparent bid to regulate the influx of people from outside Goa into the State.
Speaking at a press conference at Congress House, Monday, Naik said he was misunderstood during the discussion on special status.
“If those interested in getting special provisions for Goa had understood the procedural aspect and limited the scope of private members business, I would not have been misunderstood,” he said.
Naik questioned as to why BJP MPs did not participate in the debate despite the fact that List of Business was sent to them earlier in the day and it was also mentioned on the Rajya Sabha website.
“If they had to participate in the discussion it would have given an additional advantage. They should have shared their thoughts when I had moved the resolution for discussion,” he said alleging some BJP leaders are ignorant about the matter.
“I was surprised to learn about the criticism made against me by the very persons who once appreciated my efforts and I had even taken the trouble of attending one of their meetings to explain the meaning and implications of ‘special provision’ or ‘special status,” he said.
The resolution demanding special provisions to be made in Article 371 for Goa assembly to enact laws, was later withdrawn after the Government’s reply.
