Goa Opposition Stages Protest in Assembly Over Nightclub Fire Probe
In a dramatic move on Monday, a united opposition in Goa justified its attempt to disrupt Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju's speech in the state assembly. The legislators expressed strong dissatisfaction with the ongoing investigation into the Birch by Romeo nightclub fire, labeling it as a mere eyewash. They argued that the probe was designed to shield the government from its own failures in the tragic incident.
Demand for Silence and Accountability
Opposition leader Yuri Alemao led the charge, stating that the governor was merely reading a script provided by the government. He emphasized that the speech should have addressed the deaths of 25 people who lost their lives in the fire at Arpora on December 6. "We requested the governor to first speak on the Birch tragedy. We maintained one minute of silence to pay tribute to them," Alemao said. He pressed for political responsibility, asking, "Who is responsible for these 25 deaths?"
The protest escalated when seven legislators entered the well of the House to voice their demands. As a result, they were evicted from the proceedings, highlighting the tense atmosphere in the assembly.
Allegations of Scapegoating and Inaction
Alemao further accused the government of attempting to make the Arpora sarpanch a scapegoat in the matter. He pointed out that this move ignored the inaction by key departments, including panchayat, home, and environment. According to him, these departments failed to take necessary actions that could have prevented the tragedy.
Vijai Sardesai, a Goa Forward Party MLA, supported Alemao's stance. He noted that tradition requires a minute of silence at the start of such speeches to honor the deceased. Sardesai also raised concerns about the construction of Birch by Romeo on saltpans, which are part of the Khazans of Baga. He suggested that the government allowed this construction despite potential environmental and safety risks.
The opposition's actions underscore a growing demand for transparency and accountability in handling the aftermath of the fire. They are calling for a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
