Goa's 'Enough is Enough' Movement Delivers 15-Day Ultimatum to Government
The 'Enough is Enough' movement in Goa has issued a firm 15-day ultimatum to the state government, demanding the immediate reconvening of the legislative assembly to address the critical Consolidated Land Bill. This decisive call was made by former Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Ferdino Rebello during a significant public gathering held in Sanguem on Saturday.
Urgent Call for Legislative Action
Justice Rebello emphasized the pressing need for the Governor, Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, to summon extended assembly sessions. The primary objective is to tackle the escalating crisis of green land being converted for settlements, a matter of grave public concern. He stressed that longer, more productive sessions are essential to effectively address these urgent environmental and developmental issues.
Threat of Mass Mobilization
In a powerful statement, Rebello called upon all citizens to prepare for a large-scale mobilization at Azad Maidan in Panaji. This public demonstration is planned as a direct response should the government fail to pass the vital land legislation within the stipulated timeframe. The movement aims to ensure democratic pressure compels legislative action.
Background of the Assembly Adjournment
The state's budget assembly session was abruptly adjourned on March 16, following the Election Commission's announcement of a by-election in the Ponda constituency. However, in a subsequent development, the Bombay High Court cancelled these bypolls on March 24. The court's decision was based on the rule that an elected legislator must serve a minimum of one year in office, rendering the by-election invalid.
This judicial intervention has removed the initial rationale for cutting the session short, adding weight to the movement's demand for the assembly to reconvene without further delay and fulfill its legislative duties, particularly concerning the landmark land bill.
