Panaji, March 16, 2026: Goa Forward President and Fatorda MLA, Vijai Sardesai today strongly condemned the manner in which the State Budget 2026–27 was passed in the Assembly, terming the proceedings a violation of democratic norms.
During the curtailed session, Sardesai exposed that 79 per cent of the Budget demands, amounting to ₹23,868 crore, were passed without any discussion or debate. He asserted that the passage of such significant financial business without scrutiny undermined the very essence of legislative accountability.
Sardesai drew attention to the precedent set in 2013 when, under similar circumstances, then Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar opted for a Vote on Account, allowing the full Budget to be taken up for discussion at a later stage.
He urged the current government to adopt the same constitutional approach of a Vote on Account for three to four months instead of rushing through the entire Budget without due process.
He further highlighted that with the Model Code of Conduct in force in parts of the State, pushing through financial business of this magnitude raised serious questions about the government’s commitment to democratic principles.
Despite his appeal, the government proceeded to clear the Budget through a voice vote amid unprecedented chaos. Opposition MLAs who registered their protest were marshalled out of the House.
Sardesai remained inside only long enough to place his objections on record. Having done so, he walked out, stating that he could not be a part of this illegal passing of the budget.
He later clarified that his decision to stay back while others walked out was not a departure from Opposition unity but a considered choice to ensure that the truth was recorded in the House before he withdrew. He expressed that some misinterpreted his stand, emphasizing that speaking inside the house was as important as protesting outside.
The government may have passed the Budget, but Sardesai maintained that passing crores of rupees without discussion was a disservice to the people of Goa. He reaffirmed his commitment to continue raising the issues that matter to Goans, both inside and outside the House.
