The decision to curtail the Budget session of the assembly session has sparked outrage among the main Opposition party. But Congress claims this has not deterred them from raising issues and voicing concerns of the people on this crucial platform. Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao speaks to The Goan over his party’s views on the curtailed assembly session.
The Goan: What is your opinion on the decision to curtail the assembly session, yet again?
Yuri Alemao: Need of the hour is to curtail wasteful expenditure on events. Unfortunately, the BJP government is curtailing the duration of the Assembly Session. This session will bring to light figures of crores and crores spent on event management and publicity stunts of the failed BJP government. Social welfare beneficiaries, mid-day meal suppliers, para teachers and Goans will know how much their government spent on events depriving them of their rightful timely benefits.
TG: Do you think that the government decided to curtail the assembly session to avoid difficult questions or criticism from the Opposition?
YA: This government came to power with difficulty in having a majority number. They engineered defections to achieve the numbers. The government's misrule and misdeeds have landed it in a difficult situation of total bankruptcy. They have difficulty answering seven opposition MLAs. They are facing difficulty as cabinet ministers are openly admitting the collapse of law and order, and the rise in the drug trade, prostitution, and dance bars.
TG: Do you think curtailment of assembly sessions will impact the functioning of the legislative assembly and the democratic process?
YA: Democracy has been murdered by the BJP government since 2012. They have always tried to suppress the voice of the people. They bulldoze democratic norms and go against the Constitution. Important Bills which eventually turn into Laws are circulated at the last moment and passed without proper discussions.
TG: With limited opportunity owing to the shortened proceedings, what will be your strategy to make the government answer critical issues?
YA: Opposition MLAs have met and prepared our strategy. We will take up every issue concerning Goa and Goans. Let us hope that the Speaker allows at least seven Calling Attentions of Opposition MLAs which will allow us to raise maximum issues.
