Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Mar 17: The passage of the entire State Budget in the Goa Legislative Assembly without a vote-on-account triggered sharp protests from the Opposition, which termed the move a “murder of democracy” and accused the government of bypassing legislative scrutiny.

Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao criticised the decision after being marshalled out of the House, alleging that the session was cut short and the budget was passed without discussion on demands.

He said the Opposition had sought a vote-on-account to enable detailed debates later, but the government ignored the request. Accusing the administration of acting in a dictatorial manner, Alemao claimed the government was functioning arbitrarily and described it as a “bulldozer government.”

St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar alleged that Opposition members were physically removed from the House, claiming they were manhandled during proceedings. He urged the public to take note of how Opposition legislators were being treated.

Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas accused BJP ministers of profiting from land conversions, alleging that inflated land values were being used to generate funds for electoral gains. He further claimed that the shortened session was intended to avoid scrutiny of such issues.

Meanwhile, GFP chief and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, who initially remained in the House, said he stayed back to ensure his statements were recorded before walking out. He recalled a 2013 precedent when former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had opted for a vote-on-account after presenting a full budget, allowing discussions at a later stage.

Sardesai said that while rules permit suspension to pass a budget, the “spirit of the law” requires debate on demands. He alleged that nearly 79% of the demands were passed without discussion, prompting the Opposition’s protest.