Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The Goa Legislative Assembly witnessed repeated disruptions as Opposition MLAs protested Minister for Town and Country Planning (TCP) Vishwajit Rane’s refusal to answer questions related to land conversion and Section 39A, citing the matter as sub judice.
Tensions flared when Rane declined to respond to specific queries, invoking legal restrictions. His stance triggered strong objections from the Opposition, who rushed to the Well of the House demanding accountability.
Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao asserted that legislators have both the constitutional right and duty to discuss issues of public interest. “We are well within our rights to question. These are crucial matters affecting people,” he said.
Revolutionary Goans Party MLA Viresh Borkar announced his intent to move a privilege motion against the minister, alleging evasion of responsibility. “The minister is hiding behind legal technicalities to avoid giving answers,” Borkar stated.
In an effort to restore order, Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar appealed to Opposition MLAs to allow the session to continue. He acknowledged the gravity of the matter but clarified, “This is a government issue. I will request the government to take note, but I cannot issue a ruling at this stage.”
When the Assembly reconvened post-break, Opposition MLAs again stormed the Well, reiterating their demand for clear answers from the TCP Minister.
In response, Speaker Tawadkar assured the House that he would deliver his opinion after Question Hour and the recess.
