MAPUSA
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Thursday threatened to file a breach-of-privilege motion against the editor-in-chief of a prominent national newspaper, accusing the publication of conducting a "malicious" campaign against the State of Goa.
Addressing the Speaker and the House after Question Hour, Rane expressed his concern over the campaign, which he described as anti-Goa.
"This campaign is being run when the House is in session. As a member of the House, and as a member of Town and Country Planning and Forest Minister, I would like to mention that this is nothing but contempt of House while its proceedings are ongoing," Rane stated.
Though he did not explicitly name the newspaper, Rane announced plans to submit a detailed breach-of-privilege motion against its editor-in-chief on Monday.
He revealed that he had discussed the matter with the Union Minister for Broadcasting, who supported his view.
Rane also sought the Speaker’s cooperation in addressing the issue.
"Individuals who are not from Goa are carrying out a malicious campaign against the state based on falsehoods, and there are some who take pleasure in such actions," Rane added.
This development comes in the wake of a recent report by Hindustan Times, a national daily, which highlighted the conversion of large parcels of land in Goa.
Interestingly, the national daily has pulled down the article from its website soon after the minister’s threat on the floor of the House.
