the goan I network
MAPUSA
Asserting that the BJP-led government in State does not respect the opposition, Congress MLA from Tivim, Nilkant Halarnkar on Wednesday said the government was indulging in “cheap” politics.
“It is quite visible that the present functioning of the BJP is only for self-promotion/propaganda, whereas the opposition is sidelined,” Halarnkar said while addressing a news conference in his office in Mapusa.
Referring to the recent inauguration of the Assonora market complex, the Congress MLA said the government did not bother to invite nor verbally intimate him about the function.
“This proves the cheap politics of BJP-led government. They don’t respect opposition MLAs thus indulging in divide and rule policy among the people of the State,” he said.
Slamming the government for trying all means to suppress the freedom of speech, he said the elected representatives were not given an opportunity to raise people’s problems in the august House.
“In the recent winter session of the Goa Assembly, the number of business days was reduced to just three clearly showing the government’s disrespect for the opposition,” Halarnkar said.
The Tivim MLA further said that Panchayat Minister, Mauvin Godinho was also the protocol minister and should have known the convention of inviting the local representative for any function in his constituency.
Taking objection to the ex-MLA’s name engraved on the plaque at the Assonora market complex, Halarnkar said GSIDC has now set a precedent and the protocol must be maintained throughout.
“Such importance should also be given to ex-MLAs and ex-ministers of other political parties in other constituencies as well,” he maintained.
