Goemkarponn desk
Panaji: The Opposition MLA’s today wrote to the Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Rajesh Patnekar, Central Election Commissioner, State Election Commissioner demanding that the Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant be directed to place on the table of the house “Annual Financial Statement” and seek “Vote on Account” for 2021-22 in view of the Election Code of Conduct of Municipal Elections.
A joint Representation signed by Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat, Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao, Marcaim MLA Ramkrishna alias Sudin Dhavalikar and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardessai was submitted to the Speaker during the Business Advisory Committee Meeting.
As per the Notification issued by the State Election Commission on 22nd February 2021, the Elections to 11 Municipal Councils and Corporation of City of Panaji were scheduled on 20th March 2021. However, the Ward Reservation of 5 Municipal Council was challenged before the High Court by the Citizens of Goa. The Hon’ble High Court quashed the notification dated 4th February 2021 issued by the Directorate of Municipal Administration and directed State Election Commission to conduct elections following proper procedure. The said order of the Hon’ble High Court was challenged in the Supreme Court with a Special Leave Petitions by the State Government. However, the Hon’ble Supreme Court dismissed all the SLP’s and directed the State Election Commission to conduct Elections in free and fair manner of the five Municipal Councils before 30th April 2021 after ensuring that proper procedure is followed in Ward Reservations etc the Memorandum stated.
Opposition MLA’s have brought to the notice of the Speaker as well as the Governor that the Directorate of Municipal Administration has declared the Ward Reservations for the Municipal Wards of 5 Municipal Councils in Goa, namely Margao, Quepem, Mormugao, Sanguem and Mapuca on Tuesday, 16th March 2021. The Election to these five Municipal Councils is likely to be announced any moment and the date of Polling is also likely to coincide with the Schedule of the Budget Session. The State Election Commission will also extend the Election Code presently in force for the six Municipal Council Elections till the Elections to these five Municipal Council Elections are over.
The Memorandum further states that, During the Election Process and especially when the Election Code of Conduct is in force, it is important that the Government in Power should not make any Announcements, declare any Schemes and give any Assurances which may directly or indirectly influence the mind of the people and have an impact on the Elections.
In view of the above, the Government should not be permitted to make any Announcements, declare any Schemes and give any Assurances for Public benefit during the Budget Session.
All the Opposition MLA’s have stated that necessary directions be given to the Government of Goa to place on Table of the House “Annual Financial Statement for the year 2021 -22” on Wednesday 24th March 2021 and seek “Vote on Account” for a short period. The House needs to be adjourned until the Election for the five Municipal Councils are concluded and results declared. The House be reconvened after the Municipal Election Process is completed to take up the remaining business.
Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat has also submitted another letter of recommendation to the Business Advisory Committee demanding that Time Bound and correct replies are provided to the Members of Legislative Assembly. He has also pointed out that the Records of Assurances given in the house are not circulated to the Members in the stipulated time. He has also asked the Speaker to frame guidelines on Motion of Congratulations and Condolences.