PANAJI
Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar on Monday sought an unconditional apology from Goa Forward Party President and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai within 24 hours over the protest that erupted in the visitors’ gallery of the Goa Legislative Assembly during the Budget session, warning that action would be initiated against the member if he fails to comply.
Addressing the House, Gaonkar alleged that the entire incident had been “orchestrated” by Sardesai. He claimed that the four persons who created a disturbance in the gallery were earlier seen visiting Sardesai’s office.
“The sequence of events speaks volumes,” the Speaker said, adding that the protesters were later seen celebrating even as the investigation into the incident was underway.
Reacting to the issue, Sardesai said the protesters were compelled to take such action in order to draw the government’s attention to their grievances. He stated that people have the right to raise their voice over issues affecting them.
He further remarked that it is for the Speaker to decide whether such protesters should be permitted inside the Assembly premises.
Earlier during the day, Gaonkar said such actions pose a threat to the functioning of the House and to democracy while calling the disruption a serious matter. He also informed the House that an inquiry has been initiated into the protest and the report will be tabled before the Assembly.
The protest had erupted on the opening day of the Budget session when a group of locals raised slogans and displayed placards from the visitors’ gallery, disrupting proceedings. Security personnel later detained the protesters, who were subsequently released.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant reacted strongly, directing police and security personnel to immediately detain the protesters. On the floor of the House, Sawant described the protesters as “terrorist-minded people” attempting to provoke unrest and warned that such actions posed a serious security threat to the Assembly.
Sawant had also questioned how the protesters managed to enter the visitors’ gallery and disrupt proceedings. He received support from the ruling MLAs who condemned the incident and sought action.
