Sardesai questions assembly session amid code of conduct

Porvorim: Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai on Monday morning raised a point of order objecting to the Goa assembly session continuing even after the schedule for the Ponda bypoll was announced and the model code of conduct came into force. He said the notification issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) prohibits state govt from making any promises that have financial implications.

Sardesai said chief minister Pramod Sawant should have directed the chief secretary to seek clarification from the ECI before the House convened on Monday. Sawant said that clarification is being sought and that a decision will be taken accordingly by the afternoon.

However, Sardesai said that “even for a minute” discussions involving financial implications should not take place.

“On March 15, ECI announced elections, including for Ponda assembly constituency. Model code of conduct is in effect in Ponda and South Goa district. Attention is drawn of the House to the notification to the state which says it has to enforce the model code of conduct guidelines. Ministers should not announce grants. Here, financial transactions are under discussion. I am required to seek assurances of the govt all having financial implications and liabilities. Every word will directly affect model code of conduct if they make assurances,” said Sardesai.

He said holding the assembly session would either mean legislators make demands without receiving any assurances in return, or that announcements made by ministers could disturb the level playing field in the Ponda bypoll.

Minister Digambar Kamat said, “We have to pass the budget by March 31. There are many case studies across the country where House has been in session in such situations and continued. None can dictate when House is in session. There have been many such precedents during my tenure as well.”

Sardesai said legislators have the right to seek justice for their constituents and that it is pointless for them to speak if ministers are unable to make announcements that carry financial implications.