Opposition hits out at ‘perfunctory’ assembly sessions, lack of debate

Panaji: Reiterating concerns about the functioning of the Goa legislative assembly, Congress and GFP said that the BJP-led govt has reduced the sessions and business advisory committee (BAC) meetings to procedural formalities. The two opposition parties called for more time to debate key issues, with GFP MLA Vijai Sardesai demanding that bills be introduced at least 36 hours before being passed in the House.
Opposition leader Yuri Alemao said that govt’s disdain for democratic processes is “alarming”, while Sardesai described the trend as “unprecedented” and a “dangerous precedent” for the state. Alemao also objected to the repeated skipping of private members’ business, calling for an alternative day to be allotted if the session concludes before Friday.
“I register my strong protest against this dilution of legislative procedures and urge you to ensure that the assembly functions in a manner that upholds the spirit of democracy and accountability to the people of Goa,” Sardesai said as he echoed Congress’ concerns. Criticising the rejection of the public undertaking committee (PUC) report in the last session, Alemao accused govt of disregarding the speaker’s authority by rejecting a report that was already adopted by the committee.
Sardesai also criticised govt’s practice of fast-tracking bills, introducing them less than 24 hours before passage, which, he said, limits legislative scrutiny. Additionally, he pointed out that the opposition is unable to respond to the budget speech, as the discussion on the debate is held months later during the monsoon session, reducing its relevance.
Calling for greater transparency, Sardesai urged govt to table an annual report on assurances made in previous sessions, detailing their implementation status. Sardesai said that a short session does not provide adequate time to address critical issues. He also accused BJP MLAs of filibustering as a delay tactic. He added that the assembly should have at least 50 working days in a year but falls far short of that, calling it a blatant disregard for democratic principles.