Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: A delegation of Opposition MLAs from the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) has approached the Goa Governor, intensifying its protest against the abrupt curtailment of the ongoing Budget session of the Legislative Assembly.
Led by Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, the delegation—including AAP MLAs Venzy Viegas and Cruz Silva, and RGP MLA Viresh Borkar—met Governor P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju at Raj Bhavan to raise serious constitutional concerns over the decision.
The Budget session was cut short on Monday soon after the passage of the State Budget. Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar acted following a motion moved by Protocol Minister Mauvin Godinho, citing the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in South Goa after the announcement of the Ponda by-election.
Speaking to reporters, Alemao questioned the rationale behind the move, pointing out that legislative proceedings in other states continue despite elections. He alleged that the curtailment was aimed at preventing the introduction and passage of Private Members’ Bills, particularly those concerning land protection and environmental safeguards.
In a significant escalation, the Opposition has formally petitioned the Governor seeking dismissal of the Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and dissolution of the Goa Legislative Assembly. The petition alleges that the premature curtailment of the Budget session amounts to a violation of constitutional provisions, including Articles 174, 202, 203, and 208, as well as the obligations under the Model Code of Conduct.
The delegation has also demanded that a Special Session of the Assembly be convened. It warned that if the government refuses or fails to do so, further constitutional remedies would be pursued.
Alemao stated that the Opposition has urged the Governor to summon the Assembly under Article 175 of the Constitution. He added that in case of continued inaction, provisions under Article 356(1) could be invoked.
Meanwhile, Viresh Borkar said he has written to the Chief Election Commissioner seeking clarification on whether the MCC necessitates curtailing an Assembly session. He also alleged that Opposition MLAs were repeatedly marshalled out while raising protests in the House.
AAP MLA Venzy Viegas added that if their demand for a special session is not accepted, the Opposition would escalate the matter to the President of India seeking intervention.
