Goa Assembly Approves Full Budget Amidst Opposition Protests and Walkout
The Goa Legislative Assembly convened on Monday to pass the full state budget for the fiscal year, authorizing a significant withdrawal of Rs 30,194 crore from the consolidated fund. This move was accompanied by the approval of the Goa Appropriation Bill, marking a critical step in the state's financial planning. However, the session was not without controversy, as it was truncated by seven working days, a decision attributed by the state government to the upcoming bypoll in the Ponda constituency.
Opposition Outcry and Walkout Over Budget Passage
The proceedings were dominated by dissent from opposition members, who staged a dramatic walkout in protest of the government's decision to pass a full budget instead of opting for a vote on account. Opposition MLAs voiced strong objections, alleging that the budget was "approved without adequate deliberation". They highlighted that a staggering 79% of the demands for grants, amounting to Rs 23,900 crore, remained undiscussed, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in the legislative process.
Following the lunch recess, the legislative affairs minister, Mauvin Godinho, moved a motion to suspend House rules, accelerating the budget's passage. In response, opposition MLAs rushed to the well of the House, leading to a chaotic scene. Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar directed the removal of these members, with marshals escorting some out. Reports indicate that some opposition members sat on the floor in defiance, while two MLAs were temporarily removed but later re-entered. The tension escalated as opposition MLAs resorted to whistling on the floor during the budget's passage, symbolizing their frustration.
Leadership Statements and Fiscal Justifications
Leader of the opposition, Yuri Alemao, condemned the move, stating, "At least take a vote on account. This is the murder of democracy." In contrast, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant defended the decision, emphasizing the need to pass the full budget to facilitate development works in the state. He explained that avoiding a vote on account was necessary due to the impending model code of conduct for municipal elections, which would otherwise hinder progress. "This is election year. We get time till December, and if we want to take up development work, then we have to pass the full budget," Sawant asserted, promising an assembly session in August for further discussions.
Sawant further justified the budget by citing Goa's fiscal health, noting that the state ranks second in the country according to the latest Fiscal Health Index Report 2026 by NITI Aayog. He presented the budget details, including a revenue surplus of Rs 1,666 crore and a fiscal deficit of Rs 3,895 crore, which he claimed complies with FRBM norms. "Continuing our journey on the path of fiscal consolidation, I have presented this budget," he said, expressing regret over not being able to elaborate on budget schemes due to the model code of conduct concerns.
Criticism from Opposition MLAs and Calls for Accountability
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai was vocal in his criticism, reiterating that Rs 23,900 crore was passed without discussions. He urged the government to consider a vote on account for four months, allowing for a more thorough debate later. "Passing the budget like this is like bulldozing it. Keep some accountability and pass a vote on account," Sardesai argued, before opposing the full budget and walking out of the House in protest.
The session underscored deep political divisions, with the government prioritizing expedited development and fiscal management, while the opposition decried the lack of democratic process and transparency. As Goa moves forward with its budget implementation, the promised August session may provide a platform for addressing these unresolved issues, but the current passage has left a mark of contention in the state's legislative history.
