On Thursday, BJP MLA Ganesh Gaonkar was elected as the Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, replacing the most important constitutional position in the 40-member House. As a representative of the rural Sanvordem constituency, Gaonkar won 32 votes, and his opposition candidate got 7 votes, indicating a solid backing of his party. The vacancy in the coveted post of Speaker is caused by the resignation of the two-time legislator, who replaced the swearing-in of Ramesh Tawadkar in the ministerial position.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant congratulated Gaonkar on his election, and he assured him that he will make the proceedings in the House efficient and dignified. “I am sure that, under you, the business of the House will be transacted with the highest order and decency. I hope that you will accomplish this great constitutional duty to your great satisfaction,” said Sawant. The Chief Minister pointed to the role of the Speaker in ensuring the sanctity and smooth running of the legislative process with reference to the experience and ability of Gaonkar to run the House in the right way.
Although the election was calm in most aspects, the opposition noted that they were apprehensive about the impartiality that would be exercised by the Speaker. Opposition leader Yuri Alemao observed that the office of the Speaker had to become above party politics. The post of the Speaker must not be like a hop-on, hop-off service visiting offices of political figures and engaging politically. “I sincerely hope that Ganesh Gaonkar will not ignore the voice of the opposition, but will give us the freedom to talk and negotiate on the burning matters of the state, and there should be fair and transparent operations in the House,” said Alemao.
The election of Ganesh Gaonkar is timely because the Goa Legislative Assembly is experiencing a number of debates concerning the governance and development of the state and state policy. His role as the Speaker will include the obligation to have the legislative process executed devoid of partiality to balance the ruling party’s agenda.
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