Goa Assembly Speaker Demands Apology from MLA After Protest Investigation
In a dramatic development at the Goa Legislative Assembly, Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar on Monday revealed that a preliminary inquiry has found that protests during a session on March 6 were orchestrated by Fatorda MLA and Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai. The Speaker described the incident as "very disturbing" and unprecedented in the assembly's history.
Speaker Issues 24-Hour Ultimatum to MLA
Before taking any formal action, Speaker Gaonkar has called upon Sardesai to tender an unconditional apology to the House within 24 hours. "I call upon the honorable member Vijai Sardesai to tender an unconditional apology to this House within 24 hours from now, failing which appropriate action as per the rules of this House will be taken against the member," Gaonkar stated firmly during the assembly proceedings.
Protest Details and Investigation Findings
The controversy erupted on March 6 when Sardesai sought to move an adjournment motion concerning the Mirabag bhandara issue. During this discussion, visitors in the gallery began raising slogans on the same topic, disrupting the assembly's proceedings.
According to the Speaker's investigation:
- Visitor passes for four protesters—Hemant Bhandari, Umesh Naik, Upendra Naik, and Apa Naik—were facilitated by MLA Vijai Sardesai
- CCTV footage shows suspicious movements of these visitors in Sardesai's office and within the assembly complex
- The timing of the protests coinciding with Sardesai raising the issue "speaks volumes" about orchestration
"I personally verified the CCTV footage and observed suspicious movements of these visitors in the office of Sardesai as well as within the assembly complex," Gaonkar confirmed.
Assembly Entry Ban and Additional Actions
The Speaker has taken immediate action by banning entry to the assembly for the four protesters along with Rithik Mandrekar, who is associated with Sardesai and facilitated their entry into the assembly complex.
Gaonkar expressed particular concern that the protesters were seen publicly celebrating their actions and making comments about the functioning of the House. "This too has been taken seriously and will invite appropriate action," he warned.
Misrepresentation of Chief Minister's Statements
In a related development, Speaker Gaonkar addressed claims that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had referred to protesters as terrorists during the assembly session. After thorough verification of records, Gaonkar confirmed that Sawant made no such remark in the House.
"Upon verification of the records it is clear that at no point the CM referred to anyone, including the four visitors, as terrorists," the Speaker stated. He issued a stern warning to individuals and platforms spreading this misrepresentation, demanding they remove such content immediately or face consequences for contempt of the House.
Political Responses and Denials
Responding to the Speaker's notice, MLA Vijai Sardesai said, "I have got 24 hours to decide. I spoke on the budget in the House today." He criticized the state budget as "a fraud" and "a bubble which will burst on any day," claiming even a page from the budget document was missing.
Sardesai suggested the timing of the Speaker's order was politically motivated, stating it "very well could have been issued in the morning" rather than in the evening.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant separately denied calling protesters terrorists. "I did not call them terrorists. I said they should be arrested," Sawant told reporters. He explained his statement was in response to AAP MLA Venzy Viegas' comment about thousands of people being called to the House, saying "not to propagate terrorism trend" but never labeling Goans as terrorists.
Broader Implications and Future Actions
The Speaker emphasized that any person, including assembly members, found involved in external interference with House proceedings would face action, including potential contempt proceedings. He noted that involvement of a former assembly member has also come to light, with investigation ongoing.
This incident marks a significant escalation in Goa's political tensions, with the Speaker taking a firm stand against what he described as orchestrated disruption of legislative proceedings. The next 24 hours will be crucial as Sardesai decides whether to apologize or face potential disciplinary action from the assembly.
