the goan I network
PANAJI
Expecting that the political scenario will change after May 23 poll results, BJP has decided to appoint a new speaker of Goa assembly. The government has written to Governor to summon a one day session on May 20.
It is learnt from sources that Rajesh Patnekar’s name is considered by the BJP for the post of speaker.
The bye-election results in the four constituencies or results at the Centre will directly affect the Goa government’s political stability. All political parties are aware of it. Presently Michael Lobo is the speaker of the legislative assembly.
Meanwhile, Lobo has called MLA Prasad Gaonkar and Vishwajit Rane for a hearing on May 2 regarding disqualification petition filed by Prasad Gaonkar against Rane.
Government has almost finalised appointment of Rajesh Patnekar as the new speaker.
BJP has started consulting allied party members in this regard. Congress has also decided to nominate its leader for the speaker’s post. The name of the Congress candidate is not yet finalised.
In the year 2017 Pramod Sawant was elected as speaker of Goa assembly. At that time Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco was the Congress candidate for the speaker’s post.
Presently there are 36 MLAs in the Assembly. All of them are expected to take part in the May 20 speaker election process.
Presently ruling coalition has 20 MLAs -- BJP (14), Goa Forward (3) and Independents (3).
BJP MLA Pandurang Madkaikar is still ill. At the time of Pramod Sawant’s vote of confidence Madkaikar came to the assembly. His presence will be required at the May 20 session also.
Congress has 14 MLAs. Besides, Nationalist Congress Party MLA Churchill Alemao and MGP MLA Sudin Dhavalikar are in the opposition.
