THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade expressed optimism that the bill introduced in Parliament to reserve seats for the Scheduled Tribes community in the Goa Assembly would be passed in the upcoming session.
Speaking at a press conference in the party headquarters on Wednesday, Tanavade stated that the union cabinet had approved the draft legislation in March, and it was expected to be discussed and passed on August 9, but Parliament was adjourned sine die.
“The bill was introduced on July 29 and expected to come up for discussion and passing...Nevertheless, we hope and are optimistic it will be passed in the winter session," he said.
The bill, titled Readjustment of Representation of ST in Assembly Constituencies in the State of Goa Bill, 2024, was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.
“Political reservation should happen,” Tanavade said.
When asked about MLA Michael Lobo's criticism regarding the withdrawal of government bills in the legislative assembly, Tanavade, who is also the State BJP President, reiterated that Lobo should have used the proper forum to address his grievances.
“This shouldn't be repeated. There are various platforms to express your grievance, but not make it public. Use the right platform for the right issues, and he could have met the CM or me,” he said, while refusing to comment on whether Lobo's statements were true or if defectors were into making allegations and complaints.
Tanavade also commented on the controversy surrounding land conversion, stating that it should not happen.
Regarding the BJP’s failure to secure the South Goa MP seat, Tanavade for the first time said he takes responsibility for not ensuring the win of the right candidate.
“This time, we crossed 2 lakh votes in South Goa...It was a massive number compared to previous elections... I am not blaming anyone. As party head, maybe I failed to manage or convince (the voters). If we had to get 7,000 more votes, this question wouldn't have risen (about losing the South Goa parliamentary seat). Next time, we will win both seats,” he said adding, “The candidate was not wrong, that's why we got over 2 lakh votes.”
