PANAJI
The Goa Assembly’s Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting on Tuesday witnessed sharp confrontation after the Speaker declined to permit special discussions on the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire that claimed 25 lives, the continued operation of sealed nightclubs, and alleged environmental destruction, while allowing a special discussion on Vande Mataram during the upcoming winter session of the Assembly.
The five-day winter session of the Goa Legislative Assembly will begin on January 12, with Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju scheduled to address the House on the opening day.
Speaking to media after the BAC meeting, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the Speaker has agreed to a special discussion on Vande Mataram on January 13 to commemorate 150 years of the national song.
However, the Opposition expressed strong dissatisfaction over the Speaker’s refusal to allow discussions on what they termed as pressing issues facing the State. Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao said several serious matters, including the Birch nightclub fire, law and order, environmental destruction and public safety, were ignored. “There are so many issues concerning the State today, but the Speaker is interested in discussing Vande Mataram,” Alemao said.
Alemao added that all seven Opposition MLAs would put up a united front to grill and expose the BJP-led government. “We will all speak up as Goenkars, keeping aside our political ideology and affiliations,” he said.
AAP MLA Venzy Viegas said the Opposition had sought a special discussion on large-scale environmental destruction and on nightclubs that continue to operate despite being sealed and issued demolition orders. He alleged that several such establishments even hosted New Year parties. Viegas said the Opposition also demanded a discussion on the Birch fire incident, including tabling of the magisterial inquiry report, and the deteriorating law and order situation affecting the safety of people and tourists.
“There are no tourists because there is no safety, and there is no business. Yet the government is not ready to have any discussion,” Viegas said, warning that the Opposition would give the government a “tough time” during the session. He also threatened protests outside nightclubs if all nightclubs are not shut down.
GFP MLA Vijai Sardesai criticised the government for declining discussion on the Birch incident, questioning why only the sarpanch was being held responsible. He said families of the victims were protesting at Jantar Mantar after losing faith in the Goa government and turning to the Centre. Sardesai also questioned the legal basis under which previously shut nightclubs were reopened and dance bars allowed to function.
The Opposition accused the Speaker of selectively allowing discussions and sidelining issues related to public safety, governance and the environment. Meanwhile, ahead of the BAC meeting, the united Opposition held deliberations to finalise a joint strategy for the Assembly session.
