Dona Paula: Opposition MLAs from Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, and the Revolutionary Goans Party on Wednesday met the State Governor over the curtailment of the Budget session of the Assembly.
The delegation, including Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, AAP MLAs Venzy Viegas and Cruz Silva, and RGP MLA Viresh Borkar, met Governor P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju at Lok Bhavan (Raj Bhavan) on Tuesday morning.
The ongoing Budget session was curtailed on Monday by Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar after the passage of the State Budget. The decision followed a motion moved by State Protocol Minister Mauvin Godinho citing the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct in South Goa after the announcement of the Ponda by-election.
Speaking to reporters, Yuri Alemao questioned the move, pointing out that Assemblies in states like Maharashtra and Odisha continue to function despite elections being announced. He said the curtailment was aimed at preventing the passage of Private Members’ Bills related to land protection and environmental conservation.
He further stated that the Opposition has urged the Governor to summon the Assembly under Article 175 of the Constitution of India. He added that if the government refuses, provisions under Article 356(1) could be invoked: Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao
RGP MLA Viresh Borkar said he had written to the Chief Election Commissioner seeking clarification on whether the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct necessitates curtailing an Assembly session. He also alleged that Opposition members were repeatedly marshalled out while protesting against the government’s functioning.
AAP MLA Venzy Viegas stated that if the Governor does not accept the demand for a special session, the Opposition will approach the President of India seeking intervention.
