Congress and GFP Call for Reconvening Goa Budget Session
In a significant political move, the Congress party and the Goa Forward Party (GFP) have jointly urged Goa Governor Ashok Gajapathi Raju to reconvene the budget session of the legislative assembly. This request aims to facilitate the completion of discussions on pending bills and other unfinished business that was abruptly halted.
Background on Session Curtailment
The assembly session was initially curtailed to accommodate the Ponda byelection. However, this byelection has since been cancelled following a judgement from the high court. Opposition leader Yuri Alemao emphasized that this cancellation removes the previously cited hindrance, allowing the assembly to resume its functions without delay.
Alemao stated, "Now, the byelections to the Ponda constituency stand cancelled consequent on the judgement of the high court. As a result, there should be no hindrance as projected earlier for the state assembly to function and transact the unfinished business before the House."
Pending Legislative Matters
Alemao further highlighted that the suspension of legislative business has left critical issues unresolved. These include matters related to land resources, environment, demography, and identity, which are vital for Goa's development. Additionally, crucial bills designed to safeguard the state's interests remain blocked, posing risks to public welfare and governance.
GFP's Additional Concerns
GFP president Vijai Sardesai has echoed this plea to Governor Raju, while also calling for a debate on the Goa Protection of Agricultural Lands Act, 2026. This private member's bill, submitted by Sardesai on February 20, was drafted by former Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Ferdino Rebello, underscoring its legal significance.
Sardesai raised several procedural issues that have eroded public confidence in Goa's democratic processes. He pointed to the rescheduling of the monsoon session and its merger with the budget session, the abrupt curtailment of that session, and the passing of a full budget instead of a vote on account as a sequence of events that has damaged trust.
Furthermore, Sardesai expressed concerns about the government's reported plans to raise loans of approximately Rs 1,000 crore between April and June 2026 without adequate legislative scrutiny. "These are not routine matters," he asserted. "They concern public safety, financial responsibility and governance, and they demand immediate discussion on the floor of the House."
Implications for Governance
The opposition's demands underscore a broader call for transparency and accountability in Goa's legislative framework. By seeking to reconvene the budget session, Congress and GFP aim to ensure that pending bills and financial matters receive the necessary scrutiny to protect public interests and uphold democratic norms.
