Staff Reporter
Panaji
The opposition has strongly criticised the state government for scheduling a two-day winter session of the Legislative Assembly in February, calling it a “mockery of democracy” and an attempt to suppress democratic voices.
The session, which is set to be one of the shortest in recent years, will take place on February 6 and 7.
Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai has summoned the session to begin at 11.30 am on February 6, with the customary address by the Governor. This will mark the eighth session of the eighth Goa Legislative Assembly.
Opposition Leader Yuri Alemao slammed the decision, accusing the BJP-led government of avoiding pressing issues.
“Summoning a two-day session is not only a mockery of democracy, but is a clear indication that the BJP is afraid to face pressing issues and is trying to further undermine democratic principles. I condemn it,” Alemao said.
President of Goa Forward Party Vijai Sardesai also condemned the BJP government.
He said that by holding a session for only two days, with one day taken up by the Governor’s address, the government was effectively limiting the assembly’s functioning to just one day.
Sardesai, a former Deputy Chief Minister, accused the government of evading scrutiny amid allegations of corruption, including land grab and ‘cash for jobs’ scam.
He argued that the government’s actions reflected its attempt to suppress the opposition’s voice in the assembly.
The Fatorda MLA added that the public’s right to question the government was being continuously undermined. “I condemn it in the strongest terms,” he said.
