Panaji: The Question Hour has disrupted for the consecutive second day of monsoon Session of the Assembly on Tuesday as ruling benches continued demanding apology from Congress MLA Altone D’Costa over his statements on Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar.
The issue had rocked the House on Monday forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House twice. Similar, situation continued on Tuesday, with ruling benches led by chief minister Pramod Sawant demanded apology from D’Costa.
The Congress MLA last week had alleged that his resolution on reservation for STs in the Assembly was dropped by the Speaker, probably, after being pressurised by his high command.
Vasco MLA Daji Krishna Salkar on Monday had moved a Breach of Privilege motion against D’Costa, which had created storm in the Assembly on the first day of the 18-day-long monsoon session.
The speaker had to adjourn the House twice, and the business of Question Hour could not be taken up.
When the House assembled on Tuesday, the chief minister raised the issue again before the Question Hour.
“There should be a clarity on the issue. This is about Speaker’s post. It is about respect to the Speaker,” he said.
Defending his stand, D’Costa said that he had not said anything to the Speaker. He said that the breach of privilege may be moved and he is ready to depose before the Breach of Privilege committee.
But the ruling benches continued with their demand of apology from Altone due to which there was chaotic situation and the House was adjourned for half an hour.
When House assembled again, the pandemonium continued, forcing the speaker to adjourn the House for the second time.
The issue was resolved when the Assembly assembled again in the noon.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao told the House that D’costa has already given explanation that he has highest regard for the Speaker. “In the interest of business of the Assembly moving forward, the issue should be settled,” he said.
Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai too told the Speaker that D’Costa has high regards for the chair.
Speaking on the floor of the House, the CM said that after House is summoned, no one can speak on the Speaker.
“After considering the statements of Alemao and Sardesai, we will end the issue here. The respect for the chair should always be there,” Sawant said.
