the goan I network
PANAJI
The complaint of the Congress that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had violated the model code of conduct by appointing two deputy chief ministers in the state has been rejected by the Chief Electoral Officer, Kunal.
Kunal said the appointments were legitimate. “The governor is well within her constitutional powers. We had given a report that no further action needs to be taken, which has been accepted by the Election Commission (EC),” he said.
Kunal claimed government formation is not covered by the Model Code of Conduct and it only curbs fresh appointments in government departments.
Sawant was sworn-in minister on March 19, two days after the death of former chief minister Manohar Parrikar.
On March 20, his government issued an order designating MGP MLA Sudin Dhavalikar and Goa Forward MLA Vijai Sardesai as deputy CMs.
A week later, Dhavalikar was dropped from the cabinet and replaced with Deepak Pauskar.
The government also issued a fresh order designating Manohar Ajgaonkar and Vijai Sardesai as deputy CMs.
The Congress complaint addressed to Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora had alleged that the government decision could influence voters and thus an MCC violation.
The Congress also demanded that the EC set the order appointing deputy chief ministers aside and take action against the bureaucrat and the state government.
Parties make case against Code for social, religious functions
PANAJI: Several political parties including Goa Forward on Thursday demanded that the EC exempt social and religious functions besides tourism-related activities from the timing curbs of the Model Code of Conduct.
After attending an all-party meeting facilitated by the EC, Deputy CM Vijai Sardesai said the EC should set an example by granting the concessions in Goa. “Good Friday is a day of complete mourning. So having a public meeting on that day is not practical. This is the uniqueness of Goa which we tried to convince the election authorities about,” Sardesai said.
Goa’s Chief Electoral Officer Kunal, however, said the ban on liquor sale beyond 11 pm will stay and religious activities are always exempt from any curbs of the MCC.
Sardesai however opined that the MCC should not be a deterrent to the economy. The flying squads he said are becoming a hindrance to the hospitality industry.
“Because of the Panjim election we expect it to go on till May 23. So you are depriving the tourism and hospitality industry of their season,” Sardesai said, adding that Goa has 16 nightclubs which have permission to operate up to 4 am but are being shut down at 10 pm itself.
Tourism is the mainstay of our economy, he said, adding that the industry should be give exemption “unofficially”.
Meanwhile Kunal said exemption for nightclubs can be thought of only after April 23.
