PANAJI
Confusion prevailed over the continuation of the ongoing Budget Session of the Goa Legislative Assembly after the Election Commission of India announced the by-election to the Ponda Assembly constituency, bringing the Model Code of Conduct into force.
A lack of clarity remains over whether the Code enforced applies to the entire South Goa district or is limited only to the Ponda Assembly constituency.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the State government is awaiting the Election Commission’s view on whether the Assembly proceedings can continue in view of the enforcement of the code.
“We are taking the view of the Election Commission since the code of conduct is for the entire South Goa district in view of the by-poll to Ponda constituency. Any decision on the Assembly curtailment will be taken after that,” Sawant said.
The Budget Session of the Goa Legislative Assembly is scheduled to conclude on March 27.
The Election Commission of India on Sunday announced the by-poll to the Ponda constituency, with the Model Code of Conduct coming into immediate effect from March 15. Polling for the by-election will be held on April 9, while the counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
With the code in force across the district, uncertainty has arisen over whether the Assembly can continue its proceedings in the usual manner or whether the session may have to be curtailed or modified in line with the Commission’s guidelines.
