PANAJI
The walkout which came at around 9:30 on Thursday evening, was led by Leader of Opposition Pratapsingh Rane, but the loudest voices were that of Naresh Sawal and Rohan Khaunte who took on the chief minister for threatening them and evading questions on the issue casinos. The exchanges began after Chief Minister in the face of intense questioning from the Opposition over the fate of the fifth casino in the Mandovi as well as his government s role in allowing them to continue. “We won t do what you have to say. We have been elected for five years to run the administration. Some MLAs are misusing the Assembly for their own benefit,” Parsekar said in retaliation. To which the Opposition jumped upon their feet saying “Tell us, who it is!” and warning him not to indulge in “loose talk.” Instead Parsekar went further and alleged that while he didn t even know the names of all the casinos in the State, he knew of some “business transactions” ostensibly between certain politicians and casino owners, who he didn t wish to name. “The whole world knows,” Parsekar said adding that he would “come to Bicholim and tell.” At this Naresh Sawal was on his feet accusing the Chief Minister of threatening him. After a heated exchange of words, where the two legislators accused each other of treating constituencies like a private turf, the opposition decided to stage a walk out. “Just because we are listening, they think they can talk whatever they want. We will not take this lying down,” Sawal said. “Either you give us the answers or we are going to go from here. We have no interest in your stories,” Sawal said. Leader of Opposition Pratapsingh Rane then led the way as the opposition leaders made their way out of the House. “If you want to make allegations, you have to be willing to receive allegations,” Parsekar said smarting under the turn of events after the Opposition leaders had left. “It is clear that they are not in the mood to answer any questions on casinos. The way the CM spoke, I would have accepted if it was speech of party president, but not the CM. He is the CM of the state,” Rohan Khaunte said after they emerged from the legislative Assembly.
