PANAJI: The passage of the entire State Budget in the Goa Legislative Assembly without presenting a vote-on-account triggered sharp criticism from the Opposition, who termed the move a “murder of democracy” and accused the government of bypassing legislative scrutiny.
Speaking to mediapersons after being marshalled out of the House, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao slammed the move. "The session was cut short, and the Chief Minister is passing the whole budget without discussion on any of the demands. This is a murder of democracy; never in history has something like this happened," he said. He added that the Opposition had requested a 'Vote on Account' to allow debates later, but the government ignored it.
Alemao also accused the administration of acting arbitrarily. "He is dictatorial, so all six of us have come out in protest. They are match-fixing, acting arbitrarily, and making 'settings'. Goans have to decide what is happening with this government and who the 'moles' within the elected members are. Today, they are running a 'bulldozer government'," he said.
St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar said Opposition members were physically removed. "We have been hurt. The Speaker is giving rulings, and they are manhandling us. They laid hands on our bodies," he claimed, adding that people should understand what is happening and how Opposition legislators are being treated.
Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas accused BJP ministers of profiting from land conversions. "BJP ministers are converting land to make profits. For example, if land costs Rs 2,000, they make it Rs 5,000, earning a profit of Rs 3,000 per square meter. They use these profit funds to buy votes." Viegas claimed the short session was designed to cover up these activities.
GFP Chief and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, who stayed in the House, clarified why he did not immediately walk out. "I remained in the House to ensure my statements were officially recorded. I walked out only after speaking and making the government aware of a similar situation in 2013. In 2013, Manohar Parrikar presented a full budget, but it had to be cut short. He took a 'Vote on Account' for four months, and discussions happened later," he said.
He added, "They brushed aside this 2013 precedent today, passing 79% of the demands without any discussion. There is the 'spirit of the law' and the 'letter of the law'. Sardesai explained that while the law allows suspending rules to pass a budget, the spirit of the law requires discussion on demands. He said the lack of debate is why the Opposition protested.
