Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: “If they don’t want development in the State of Goa, they should come up with a charter of demands on how we can develop the State,” said TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane during a fiery debate in the Goa Assembly.
The uproar began when the Opposition protested the Speaker’s refusal to allow discussion on a postponed question raised by MLA Venzy Veigas.
Minister Rane stated that the reply, originally postponed during last monsoon session, had already been tabled, prompting the Opposition to demand a formal ruling.
Rane also accused the Congress party of “destroying the State of Goa” by converting over 9.80 crore sq. meters of land during its tenure, harming salt pans and other protected areas.
The statement sparked a heated verbal exchange with Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, who blamed the current government for its handling of land matters.
Senior Minister Digambar Kamat stepped in, remarking, “Are we supposed to speak on political parties? On former Chief Ministers? I should be entitled to speak. If I speak and then defend, it would be damaging for them [Congress].”
Addressing questions on appointing private lawyers to defend State cases in the High Court, Rane explained that senior lawyers are chosen only after consulting the Advocate General due to their expertise.
He noted that the TCP department has spent less than 1.5% of its nearly Rs 750 crore revenue, emphasizing that the best lawyers are needed to protect State interests.
Rane concluded by challenging the Opposition to present concrete proposals if they oppose development, reiterating the government’s commitment to progress and land reforms.
