Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Tuesday complained in the Rajya Sabha about his substantive motion — on the role of the Goa Governor in government formation there — not being listed even as the budget session is coming to a close.
Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien said the Chair could not do much as the motion could be listed for discussion only after the government allotted time for it.
The substantive motion has been admitted by the Chairman but not listed for discussion.
“Do I have no right to raise the issue... who should I blame [for the motion not being listed]... my right is being denied,” the Congress leader said.
He said the motion had been pending for weeks and alleged that democracy was “murdered” in Goa as the Governor had ignored the Congress and invited the BJP to form the government.
“The Goa Governor has been acting unconstitutionally and has gone against the Sarkaria Commission recommendations,” he said.
The Sarkaria Commission was set up in June 1983 to examine the relationship and the balance of power between States and the Central government.
Mr. Kurien said: “There is a procedure. Government has to give time. It has not come. What can I do.” He added that there were other motions pending too.
Mr. Singh requested the Chair to fix the time after taking the “sense of the House” but Mr. Kurien said there was no such rule.
“Chairman cannot alone fix [time for discussion]. He has to consult the government,” Mr. Kurien said.
(With PTI inputs)
