MAPUSA
The recently concluded 15-day monsoon session of the Goa Legislative Assembly witnessed a combative opposition repeatedly cornering the BJP-led government during the Question Hour, raising a host of critical issues ranging from the Mhadei water diversion and illegal land plotting to environmental scams, illicit liquor, and heritage conservation.
The tone was set on the very first day, with Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao alleging a Rs 4,000 crore scam in the collection of green cess from coal handling companies. He accused the government of manipulating legislative procedures to suppress debate by converting starred questions into unstarred ones. “This is nothing short of a murder of democracy,” Alemao thundered, demanding a full-fledged discussion on the alleged scam.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant countered the charges, stating that the matter was sub judice and had been transferred to the Finance Department. Over the next two weeks, Alemao remained at the forefront of the opposition’s charge, joined by Goa Forward Party’s Vijai Sardesai, Aam Aadmi Party’s Venzy Viegas, Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira, and Revolutionary Goans Party MLA Viresh Borkar — a group that consistently held the government accountable through incisive questioning.
Mhadei takes centre stage
One of the most explosive exchanges occurred over the Mhadei river water diversion issue. Opposition MLAs tore into the State government for its perceived inaction even as Karnataka allegedly accelerated work at the Kalsa and Bandura sites.
Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco demanded a push for an early Supreme Court hearing, while Alemao questioned the utility of the Rs 16 crore spent on legal battles, alleging that the oversight authority Prawah had done little this year.
Benaulim MLA Viegas called for weekly status reports, and Fatorda MLA Sardesai slammed the House Committee on Mhadei as ineffective, even offering to resign from it. CM Sawant admitted Karnataka was undertaking illegal activities but reiterated that no central permissions had been granted.
Section 39A sparks uproar
Another major flashpoint was the government’s refusal to answer questions related to the contentious Section 39A of the TCP Act, citing the matter as sub judice. The opposition erupted, storming into the well of the House in protest. RGP MLA Borkar accused the TCP Department of hiding behind legal technicalities, while Alemao drew a parallel with the Mhadei debate, which proceeded despite the matter being in court.
Green cess and ferry procurement
Alemao also flagged a second green cess-related scam, demanding a special discussion in the House, while simultaneously attacking the government over the Rs 3.97 crore procurement of a technically unviable solar electric ferry. The Opposition dubbed it a scam “under the guise of a solar mission”. River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Dessai admitted the ferry was unfit for Goan waters and had been operational for only three months.
Land use and 'illegal plotting'
Land use violations and irregular plotting approvals were among the most frequently raised issues. TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane admitted to rampant illegal land plotting across the State, especially in rural and eco-sensitive zones, and promised to introduce strict laws. He also stated that a new Regional Plan would be brought at an appropriate time.
Borkar pressed further, accusing TCP officials of corruption in the Neura plotting case and demanding disciplinary action. “How can a Delhi-based buyer threaten Goan villagers over access to roads? This is harassment,” Borkar said, demanding the revocation of permissions granted under misleading representations.
Delta Corp controversy adds fuel
The proposed Delta Corp resort at Dhargal sparked heated debate, with Alemao alleging that 33 hectares of land under the Tillari irrigation command area were arbitrarily denotified. The Chief Minister clarified that the land was not paddy land and was acquired privately, not allotted by the State. Nevertheless, the Opposition demanded a review of land-use conversions in investment promotion areas.
Illicit liquor, lax enforcement
A fire that engulfed a Nagaland-registered truck illegally carrying liquor at Dhargal was used by the opposition to expose enforcement lapses. AAP MLA Viegas questioned the silence and inaction of the Excise Department, while Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira and ruling party MLA Nilesh Cabral raised serious questions about how the truck managed to cross checkpoints undetected. Sawant admitted entry records had not been traced and promised departmental action.
Old Goa heritage protection
Old Goa and its UNESCO World Heritage Site dominated several discussions. MLAs across party lines demanded a Master Plan to curb illegal construction and preserve the historic zone. Alemao highlighted a bungalow built in a prohibited area that drew public ire. When the government failed to provide a clear timeline for its demolition, Opposition MLAs stormed the well again, leading to a temporary adjournment.
Sardesai, Borkar, Viegas, and Ferreira all pressed for the formulation of stringent bylaws and comprehensive planning. Interestingly, even ruling party MLA Rudolf Fernandes supported the call, though he stopped short of demanding a Master Plan.
Carrying capacity of villages
Urbanisation in villages and mega housing projects was another point of contention. MLAs Ferreira, Sardesai, and Viegas demanded a carrying capacity study, with Alemao asking the government to engage expert agencies. Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho acknowledged the demand and said a proposal would be moved, recognising the growing stress on infrastructure due to ru-urban expansion.
A unified Opposition emerges
What stood out in this monsoon session was the rare unity displayed by the opposition, especially during the Question Hour. Whether it was raising slogans in the well of the House, exposing financial irregularities, or demanding transparency on heritage conservation, the opposition bench remained unrelenting.
Key figures like Alemao, Sardesai, Ferreira, Viegas, and Borkar repeatedly dominated the daily agenda with probing questions and disruptive interventions. The government's frequent responses of “the matter is sub judice” did little to pacify the opposition, which described these as excuses to dodge accountability.
The intensity and range of issues raised suggest a growing chasm between the government’s assurances and the opposition’s demand for action and transparency. As the monsoon session wraps up, one thing is clear: the Question Hour has reclaimed its role as a powerful tool for democratic scrutiny – with an energised opposition showing no signs of backing down.
