Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Opposition MLAs have strongly objected to the three-day Goa Assembly session, demanding sufficient time to debate pressing issues concerning the state and its people.
MLA Viresh Borkar said the Speaker had earlier spoken about the need for a 30-day Assembly session, but the government’s decision has now resulted in a three-day sitting. He said the opposition questioned the limited legislative business listed for the session.
Borkar said the opposition specifically demanded a detailed discussion on Section 39A, an issue over which he had earlier undertaken a hunger strike. He said the Speaker assured the BAC that time would be allotted for a discussion on the matter, though the opposition sought adequate time to debate it in detail.
He said issues such as the destruction of villages and Goa’s carrying capacity need to be debated inside the Assembly, adding that the opposition should be given sufficient time to raise concerns and seek corrective action.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai said he raised three key issues — the poor condition of roads, unemployment and unplanned development — during discussions with the Chief Minister and Speaker.
Sardesai said potholes remain a common concern across Goa and alleged that the state’s educated youth are struggling to find employment. He also criticised alleged violations of town planning regulations, saying unplanned development is forcing people to protest.
AAP Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas said the opposition sought dedicated time to discuss several critical matters, including Section 39A, power cuts, the Mahadayi water dispute, PWD water supply issues, E20 petrol and land-related concerns.
Viegas said he had submitted around 5,500 objection letters relating to land-related decisions and questioned whether a three-day session would provide enough time to raise such public concerns.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao termed the BAC meeting a “mere ritual and formality” and accused the government of denying the opposition adequate legislative time.
Alemao demanded discussions on Section 39A, land preservation, carrying capacity, infrastructure and other issues. He also raised concerns over roads, the Mahadayi dispute, environmental issues and the proposed fish meal plant at Cuncolim Industrial Estate.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said around 13 bills, including supplementary appropriation bills, will be introduced during the upcoming Assembly session. He said routine questions and other matters will be taken up as per the decisions of the Speaker.
