PANJIM: An indirect comment, accusing the former Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Rajendra Arlekar about carrying out the Business of the House in a biased manner created flutters among BJP legislators who asked Independent legislator, Vijay Sardesai to maintain the sanctity of the Legislative Assembly and respect the chair. Here’s what was argued when the MLA stood to congratulate Anant Shet on being elected as the new Speaker.
Vijai Sardessai
“I have always been a victim of ‘tu bas’ (you sit) syndrome. There would be surveillance on the lot system and the starred questions to be tabled in the House would usually be for the ruling MLAs. There was ‘hukumshahi’ (dictatorship) in the last three and a half years (when Rajendra Arlekar was the Speaker). The government was protected and the ministers who did not know anything about their portfolios were shielded. Issues calling for attentions were pushed to Zero Hour. The then Speaker abused his position,” said Sardesai.
Dr Pramod Sawant
“Why is such a comment being made in the House? There should be respect shown for the chair. Don’t pass such remarks,” he said in a loud voice daring Sardesai to make a comment again.
Sawant was supported by BJP’s Subhash Phaldessai, Siddharth Kuncolienkar and other members.
