Goa MLA Vijai Sardesai Issues Unconditional Apology Following Speaker's Directive
In a significant development in the Goa Legislative Assembly, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai has tendered an unconditional apology after Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar directed him to do so. This directive came a day after the Speaker's order regarding passes issued by Sardesai's office to visitors who protested in the House on March 6 against the Mirabag bandhara.
Sardesai's Defense and Apology Statement
Prior to issuing the apology, Sardesai asserted his right to be heard and maintained that he had no prior knowledge that the visitors would behave disruptively. He emphasized that passes had been issued through his office for them to attend the session, but he was unaware of their intentions.
"I have issued passes, but the principles of law demand that one checks what my intention is. If I had the intention, I would not have issued the pass," Sardesai stated. "But regardless of my intention, if it has contributed to an incident which has disrespected the integrity and dignity of the chair of the House, I fully own up to this morally. I place my unconditional apology and regret the same."
Concerns Over Inquiry Process and Legislative Responsibility
Sardesai raised concerns about the inquiry being conducted behind his back, stating that he was accused of disrupting proceedings based on this investigation. "There is a fundamental principle of law that no one should be condemned without hearing them first," he argued, highlighting his 14-year legislative experience including roles as minister and deputy chief minister.
He further questioned the accountability framework, suggesting that if MLAs are to be held responsible for the behavior of visitors issued passes through their offices, the House should formally discuss and amend its rules accordingly. "The rules of business of this House neither frowns on such issuance nor holds the issuance responsible for subsequent conduct of the invitees," Sardesai noted.
Denial of Instigation and Conspiracy Theories
The MLA firmly denied any instigation of the protest, pointing out that the inquiry itself did not suggest he prompted the disruptive action. "In today's day and age, we politicians can always be the victim of a conspiracy to tarnish our image," he remarked, adding that if he had intended to create confusion, he would not have issued passes in his name, leaving what he called "a trail of clues."
Sardesai reiterated that he could not foresee the disruptive actions and had no knowledge of the visitors' intentions when they requested the passes. "The inquiry is only suggestive that passes were issued by my staff. I do not deny this at all. However, the conclusion arrived at is wholly unwarranted and uncalled for," he concluded.
