In an unprecedented two-minute address to the members of an outgoing Legislative Assembly, Goa Governor Mridula Sinha congratulated Goan voters for enthusiastically participating in the election leading to a record turnout of about 83% in the February 4 Assembly polls.
The brief session was held to complete formality of meeting before six months of the previous assembly session. The session began with the short speech of Governor Sinha and was adjourned sine die by Speaker Anant Shet soon after the Governor's speech was over.
"I wish to inform you that the session has been summoned to comply with the constitutional mandate under Article 174 (1), which provides that six months shall not intervene between two consecutive sessions of the assembly of a State. The sitting of the last session of this august assembly was held on August 31, 2016 and, therefore, by meeting today the constitutional limit of six months has been complied with,'' said Ms. Sinha.
She expressed gratitude for all the members for keenly participating in the discussion of the assembly over the last five years and producing landmark public policies and legislations in the larger interest of the people of the State.
Ms. Sinha, in her assembly address said she refrained from making any mentions of the policies and achievements of her government due to the model code of conduct in force.
After explaining the reasons why she cannot deliver her regular address to the first session of the Assembly, Speaker Anant Shet adjourned the session after the Opposition attempted to speak.
Ony 27 members including the Speaker attended the House of 31 of the 40-member State Assembly. Remaining members have resigned either as Independents or party MLAs to fight elections changing their political parties.
Meanwhile, the Opposition Congress on Tuesday accused Speaker and the BJP-led coalition government of using the national anthem to supress voices of the Opposition during the one-day session.
"The national anthem was played just as the Opposition Leader was standing to speak in the House," Congress spokesperson and MLA Aleixo Reginaldo told pressperson after session ended.
The one-day session of the Goa assembly which was held on Tuesday has been criticised by the Opposition accusing the BJP government of trying to continue in power despite elections held on February 4.
This, Opposition has charged, was meant to facilitate horse-trading after the results were announced on March 11.
"They want to be in power by any means that is why they called the session. They want to indulge in horse-trading when the results are out using State machinery," Leader of Opposition Pratapsingh Rane alleged.
