Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: The Goa Legislative Assembly’s monsoon session was adjourned two times for thirty minutes each due to unrest following a breach of privilege move made by Vasco MLA Daji Salkar against Congress MLA Altone D’Costa.
Salkar made the motion during House Question Hour, to which Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao fiercely objected. He objected to D’Costa’s alleged remarks about the Speaker’s refusal to approve the resolution regarding the political reservation for ST.
Dr. Pramod Sawant, the chief minister, suggested that Altone apologize to the speaker.
Nothing, according to Alemao, prevents us from advancing a resolution. “How is it a violation of privilege?” he inquired.
CM Dr Pramod Sawant demanded that Altone should tender an apology to the Speaker.
LoP Yuri Alemao said that nothing stops a member from moving a resolution. He questions how it amounts to a breach of privilege.
“There is a trend that press conferences are held even before the question is tabled. Secretary of Education briefed about NEP. I will be forced to move a breach of privilege,” Sardesai stated, receiving support from LoP Yuri Alemao.
Soon after, a verbal exchange was witnessed between Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and the LoP when the CM demanded an apology from the Opposition for the Speaker over the breach of privilege.
Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar said, “The statement has been aimed at getting publicity. Had he been a new MLA we would have understood but, sadly, it has come from an MLA who has been attending the Assembly for the last two and half years.”
“I do not know whether he consulted Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao before making the statement or not. But if he has consulted and made the statement then it is like showing immaturity. He should understand how the Legislative Assembly functions and stop making statements like this,” he said.
