IN LIMELIGHTPANAJI: The presence of ailing Bharatiya Janata Party legislator Pandurang Madkaikar in the Goa legislative assembly was the highlight of the proceedings of Wednesday's brief session that passed the confidence motion of the new Pramod Sawant-led coalition government.
>> When the proceedings began with the playing of the National Anthem, Madkaikar rose with the assistance of marshals.
>> The Speaker permitted Madkaikar to record his vote by raising his hand instead of rising like the rest due to his physical discomfort.
>> He then raised his hand in support of the motion but again needed the assistance of the marshals to hold his hand up
It was the former minister and Cumbharjua legislator's first public appearance since suffering a brain stroke in June last year.
Madkaikar was the first to enter the House nearly half an hour before the House could assemble at 11 am, assisted by marshals and self-aided by a tripod walking stick. He took his seat, was generally sporting a smile and sipped a cup of steaming black tea before the proceedings could begin.
As members began entering the assembly hall, Madkaikar's presence took many by surprise and they walked up to greet him and exchange pleasantries. Madkaikar was seen talking to those who reached out to him.
The media couldn't get access to him but other legislators, including Opposition Leader Chandrakant Kavlekar disclosed that Madkaikar's recovery was remarkable and that he was speaking coherently.
The legislator had suffered a brain stroke in a Mumbai hotel while on a visit to the metropolis and was rushed to the Kokilaben Hospital in June last year where he spent several months in treatment and rehabilitation. He returned to Goa in November last year weeks after he was dropped from the cabinet on health grounds but did not make a public appearance until the brief Assembly session on Wednesday.
When the proceedings began with the playing of the National Anthem, Madkaikar rose with the assistance of marshals.
Just before the confidence motion was put to vote, the Speaker Michael Lobo permitted Madkaikar to record his vote by raising his hand instead of rising like the rest due to his physical discomfort.
He then raised his hand in support of the motion but again needed the assistance of the marshals to hold his hand up until it was counted by the legislature staff.
