Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: In his affidavit in reply to the petition filed by Adv. Aires Rodrigues challenging that Lifetime cabinet status conferred on him, former Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane has stated that he had not asked for any such honour or privilege and that the same was bestowed upon him by the State of Goa in its own discretion and wisdom.
Stating that it was for the High Court to decide the legality of that Lifetime cabinet status, Pratapsingh Rane in his very brief reply has stated that with all humility at his command he would accept whatever decision the Court makes in the matter.
Denying that the January 7th notification bestowing Lifetime cabinet status was issued on the basis of some alleged quid pro-quo, Pratapsingh Rane has stated that he was 83 years old and that if he had contested this year’s elections he would have been 88 when his term as an MLA would come to an end.
Stating that in view of his advanced age he took a decision to retire from active politics and that he would however continue to do social work in whatever capacity he can to serve the people of Goa, Pratapsingh Rane in his affidavit has also stated that he had been contemplating taking the decision to retire from active politics since as far back as December 2021.
Pratapsingh Rane in his affidavit submitted to the High Court has further stated that the suggestion that his decision not to stand for elections held this year was induced by the Lifetime cabinet status notification issued on 7th January was completely false and was a disservice to him and to the many years of public service that he has put into the State of Goa.
Stating that his meeting in September 2021 with Devendra Fadnavis was nothing more than a courtesy call, Pratapsingh Rane has submitted that the allegation made by Adv. Aires Rodrigues in the petition was a red-herring raised in an attempt to create unnecessary doubts and suspicion in the minds of the Court.
A Division Bench of the High Court comprising of Justice M.S.Sonak and Justice R.N. Laddha will on Wednesday 4th May continue hearing the petition filed by Adv. Aires Rodrigues challenging the constitutional validity of the notification issued on 7th January this year bestowing Pratapsingh Rane with Lifetime Cabinet status.