Team Goemkarponn
PORVORIM: Proceedings in the Goa Legislative Assembly witnessed another confrontation over the disallowed question on No Development Zones (NDZs) under Section 39A, with Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao and RGP MLA Viresh Borkar being marshalled out of the House.
The issue was raised again by Alemao, who told the Speaker that the Opposition was not satisfied with the earlier ruling disallowing the question. The Opposition sought a fresh ruling and pressed for the matter to be discussed in the House.
Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar, however, made it clear that his earlier decision would remain unchanged. He said the ruling disallowing the NDZ-related question stands and that “there won’t be any change.”
The situation escalated after Alemao and Borkar moved to the well of the House and disrupted proceedings. They were subsequently marshalled out.
Gaonkar explained that the amendment to the Town and Country Planning Act introducing Section 39A had already been discussed during a special half-hour discussion held on February 7, 2024.
Alemao countered that the Opposition had proposed a fresh special discussion on the issue during the Business Advisory Committee meeting.
The protest saw different positions among the Opposition benches. Vijai Sardessai did not participate in the protest in the well, while the other Opposition MLAs remained seated.
The NDZ issue continues to create friction between the government and Opposition, with the latter insisting that the matter requires further discussion in the Assembly.
