Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao is restrained by marshals as Opposition MLAs protest in the well of the Goa Legislative Assembly on Monday.
MAPUSA
The Goa Legislative Assembly witnessed a virtual repeat of Friday’s tumultuous scenes on Monday as Opposition MLAs once again stormed the well of the House, protesting what they termed as the government’s refusal to allow the introduction of private members’ bills.
Shouting slogans and holding placards, Opposition legislators disrupted proceedings soon after the House assembled, forcing Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar to adjourn the House twice – first for 30 minutes and later till 1 pm – resulting in the complete washout of the morning session.
The disruption came amid heightened tensions between the treasury and Opposition benches over the alleged denial of permission to introduce several private members’ bills during the ongoing session.
Earlier, the proceedings began with Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai raising concerns over the functioning of the Assembly in the wake of the by-election announced for the Ponda constituency and the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.
Sardesai pointed out that any announcements made by the government during the Assembly session, particularly those involving financial implications, could benefit the ruling party and undermine a level playing field during the by-election campaign.
Responding to the concern, Speaker Gaonkar cited provisions under Article 209 of the Constitution, stating that the House was empowered to regulate its own procedure and conduct of business.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured members that the government would seek clarity on the matter and would revert later in the day.
However, the House soon descended into chaos after the Leader of Opposition, Yuri Alemao, raised the issue of private members’ bills not being allowed for introduction in the Assembly.
Opposition MLAs immediately trooped into the well of the House, shouting slogans and waving placards in protest.
Despite repeated appeals from the Chair, the agitating members continued their demonstration, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House for the first time.
When the House reconvened after the brief adjournment, the Opposition resumed its protest, again rushing into the well of the House and raising slogans.
With the ruckus persisting, the Speaker adjourned the House till 1 pm.
Opposition MLAs also entered the Assembly dressed in black for the second consecutive day – a symbolic protest mirroring the scenes witnessed on Friday.
Alemao also moved an adjournment motion demanding a discussion on the issue, alleging that the Opposition’s legislative rights were being curtailed.
Appealing for cooperation, Chief Minister Sawant reminded the Opposition that Fridays were earmarked for private members’ business and urged them not to disrupt the day’s proceedings.
“Friday is meant for private members’ bills. Let us not waste a working Monday of the Assembly,” the Chief Minister said.
