NT Reporter
Panaji
The Goa Legislative Assembly on Tuesday saw sharp exchanges during the discussion on the Governor’s address, with Congress and Goa Forward Party MLAs accusing the government of ignoring a citizens’ movement led by retired Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court Ferdino Rebello and failing to address issues of crime and corruption.
Congress Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira said the government had omitted Justice Rebello’s 10-point Charter from the Governor’s address despite assurances.
“Justice Rebello met the Chief Minister before the session began and was assured that his charter, which includes hill cutting and sustainable development would be addressed,” Ferreira said.
Supporting the movement, Fatorda GFP MLA Vijai Sardesai said, “Who is Justice Ferdino Rebello? He is a former judge who spent his life in the system and has now stepped forward because the situation has gone beyond politics and entered the realm of conscience. The ‘Enough is Enough’ movement is not political; it is supported by the people.”
Ferreira also raised concerns over law and order, citing multiple incidents. “Gang wars and dacoities are making people unsafe in their own homes. In the Edgar Pereira case, police turned criminals in uniform. The Siddhivinayak case remains unsolved, Umakant Khot was murdered, and even Saligao saw a killing by non-Goans,” he said.
He added that drug seizures were insufficient without dismantling supply chains. “Drugs have reached our villages. With 600 head constable posts vacant and no promotions for 19 years, frustration is breeding inside the police force,” he said, adding that Goa had become “a candidate for awards in corruption, excise scams and the nightclub fire tragedy.”
Sardesai linked the recent Birch by Romeo Lane fire to systemic issues. “Illegal buildings, unsafe establishments and land misuse are part of one design,”
he alleged. “Clubs were sealed and unsealed within two days. There is involvement of officials from the Revenue Minister’s office and even a deputy collector,” he said.
