MAPUSA
Pandemonium broke out in the Goa Legislative Assembly on Thursday morning after Opposition MLAs stormed into the well of the House, protesting the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department’s refusal to answer questions related to the contentious Section 39A of the Goa TCP Act.
The House was briefly adjourned for 10 minutes amidst slogans and heated exchanges.
The uproar began when Revolutionary Goans Party MLA Viresh Borkar objected to TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane’s assertion that no replies could be provided on Section 39A, citing that the matter is sub-judice and pending before the High Court.
Rane invoked the “Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Goa Legislative Assembly,” claiming the department was bound by rules and could not disclose information under legal scrutiny.
“What’s the problem in giving answers? Every time this issue comes up, it’s postponed. This is an attempt to withhold vital information from the public,” Borkar lashed out, expressing frustration over the minister’s response.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao strongly countered Rane’s stand.
“How can the TCP Department deny legislators answers? This is in public interest. Just two days ago, we debated the Mhadei issue in this House even though it is also in court. Why is the TCP hiding behind the sub-judice excuse?” Alemao questioned, sarcastically suggesting the department be renamed “Sub-Judice Department.”
Despite the minister standing firm on his decision, claiming, “There are rules. I am following them. They can say what they want, but no discussion can be held on this,” even as the Opposition intensified its protest.
All Opposition MLAs “ except Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai “ marched into the well of the House, raising slogans and demanding accountability from the TCP Minister.
The Speaker, facing unrelenting protests, urged members to return to their seats and resume House proceedings. With the disruption continuing, the session was adjourned for 10 minutes.
The Opposition further demanded a ruling from the Speaker on whether matters under Section 39A could be discussed in the Assembly if the government declared them sub-judice.
The Speaker deferred a decision, stating it was a matter for the government and promised to respond after the recess.
Interestingly, Goa Forward Party leader and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai maintained silence throughout the protest and did not join fellow Opposition MLAs in the well of the House.
The controversy over Section 39A, which empowers the government to regularise unauthorised constructions under certain conditions, has long been a flashpoint.
The Opposition’s demand for transparency has only intensified with the department’s continued refusal to respond to queries in the Assembly.
