Team Goemkarponn
PORVORIM: The first day of the Goa Legislative Assembly’s Budget session on Friday witnessed a dramatic disruption when a group of locals staged a protest in the visitors’ gallery over the Mirabag Bandara project. The protest, which erupted shortly after proceedings began, coincided with Goa Forward Chief Vijai Sardesai raising an Adjournment Motion on the issue, catching members off guard.
Protesters, holding placards and shouting slogans, disrupted the proceedings, prompting marshals and security personnel to intervene. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant demanded the immediate arrest of the demonstrators, describing them as “terrorist-minded” and warning that future incidents could escalate to violence. He later moved a breach of privilege for further investigation.
The CM’s actions drew sharp reactions from the Opposition, with several MLAs calling the arrests a “shame” and accusing the government of suppressing dissent rather than addressing the concerns raised over the Mirabag Bandara. Sawant, however, accused opposition parties of instigating the protest and encouraging the disruption.
Senior minister Sudin Dhavalikar condemned the protest, stating that in his 35 years as an MLA, he had never witnessed such behavior in the Assembly. He raised serious security concerns, questioning accountability if protesters were to cause physical harm to legislators or the Speaker. Minister Vishwajit Rane also criticized the protest, emphasizing that such acts of “dadagiri” should not be tolerated.
Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Mirabag Bandara project, stressing that water security cannot be compromised. Shirodkar noted that the project, like the Selaulim dam, is intended to benefit the people, and cautioned against politicizing the issue ahead of elections. He made it clear that electoral gains should not come at the cost of Goa’s reputation or public welfare.
The Speaker rejected the Opposition’s adjournment motion, stating that such motions cannot be entertained during Question Hour and urged members to allow the House to continue with its scheduled business. Security personnel detained four protestors from the gallery, restoring order in the Assembly.
