MARGAO
South Goa MP Capt Viriato Fernandes has said the ruling BJP government sidelined important Bills, including the ST Bill, and pushed controversial Bills such as a Wafq Board Bill in the just concluded Parliament session.
The MP said it was indeed sad that important Bills, including the Bill to ensure political reservations for the ST communities in Goa, was relegated to the background with the government according priority to the Wafq Board Bill. “It is sad that the ST Bill did not get the priority from the BJP in the last two Parliament sessions. That only goes to show they are not doing anything to this Bill,” he said.
Saying the BJP has the ulterior motive of bringing the Wafq Board Bill in Parliament, Viriato said when the country is facing inflation, with employment at its peak, law and order situation and violence in the name of religion, the government thought of Wafq Board Bill over these pressing issues. “During discussions on the Wafq Board Bill, the BJP claimed the Bill is aimed in helping the Muslim community. If that is so, why is the BJP not even giving a single seat to the Muslim community in elections,” he asked.
The South Goa MP said that he had raised issues such as the non-implementation of the 73rd Amendment of the Constitution in Goa, besides demanding UNESCO status for Tiatr. “We have to protect Tiatr for posterity. People are worried about the demographic changes witnessed in the State. This is not good for the people of Goa,” he added.
