Panaji – Political Defections are shaking the confidence of the People in Parliamentary Democracy. It may give immediate gains to be in power but the long-term losses could be dangerous. The Honourable Speakers, the Custodians of the House have miserably failed in the duties cast upon them to decide on Disqualification Petitions. There is hardly any burden of litigation on the Speakers. It is definitely not a matter of pride or honour for a Constitutional Authority and the Custodian of the apex Democratic Institution to play with Disqualification Petitions at leisure and pleasure, stated Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao.
He was speaking at the Function organised by Goa Legislator’s Forum on the Occasion of Goa Legislator’s day at Assembly Complex in Porvorim. Speaker of Maharashtra State Assembly Rahul Narvekar, Speaker of Goa Ramesh Tawadkar, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Deputy Speaker Joshua D’Souza, former MLA Mohan Amshekar and others were present for the function.
I raise the three Critical Issues facing our tiny but unique State of the Indian Union wherein our positive and effective intervention is required keeping Party Politics aside. First the Threat to our Lifeline Mhadei. This is still unresolved and appears to be more critical in 2024. Insecurity is mounting. None is sure of the outcome. Assurances from the government seem to be mechanical. They fail to boost the confidence of the people, stated Yuri Alemao.
Secondly, the Casino Industry holding River Mandovi almost on siege and painting Panaji, the Capital of our State as the Paradise location for Casino Gaming. Every year this industry damages Goa’s image as the land of the pious. I note with regret that nobody seems to care. The reckless Land Conversions, Transfers, Change in Use, Sale of our Scarce Land Resource seems to be a field day for land bankers from the metros of India, Yuri Alemao Stated.
Threats to the Freedom of Choice and Expression is consistently emanating from some Organisations. What is worrisome is the Failure of the Government to effectively counter these Threats. The perception that the State itself is attempting to connive with forces which pose challenges to Liberties and Freedoms is not a wrong perception. The silence of the Government has bolstered such forces, charged Yuri Alemao.
I will not be wrong in stating that the Index of Freedom of Choice and Expression is registering a decline and so is the Index of Dissent. It is indeed tragic to note that even Legislators choose the Road of Silence when it is our Duty to Speak, said Yuri Alemao while addressing the Gathering.
