PANAJI
The Opposition on Wednesday submitted a joint representation to Goa Governor Bhagat Singh Koshayari, Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Rajesh Patnekar, Central Election Commissioner as well as the State Election Commissioner demanding issuance of directions to the state government to refrain from presenting the budget and seek Vote on Account for 2021-22 in view of the Election Code of Conduct of municipal polls.
The joint representation was signed by Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat, Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao, Marcaim MLA Ramkrishna “Sudin” Dhavalikar and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai. It was submitted to the Speaker during the meeting of the Business Advisory Committee.
The Opposition sought to point out that the election to five councils is likely to be announced at any moment and the date of polling is also likely to coincide with the schedule of the budget session. Besides, the SEC will extend the code of conduct, which is presently in force for the six municipal council elections, till the elections to these five municipal councils conclude.
“Government should not be permitted to make any announcements, declare any schemes and give any assurances for public benefit during the budget session during the election process and especially when the election code of conduct is in force as this may directly or indirectly influence the mind of the people and have an impact on the elections,” the Opposition has argued.
All the Opposition MLAs have requested that necessary directions be given to the government to table the “Annual Financial Statement for the year 2021 -22” on March 24 and to seek “Vote on Account” for a short period. “The House needs to be adjourned until the election for the five municipal councils have concluded and the results declared. The House can be reconvened after the Municipal election process is completed to take up the remaining business,” the representation has suggested.
