In a formal communication dated June 7, 2024, Amit S. Patkar, President of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee, has issued a second reminder to the Honorable Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, urging swift action on a long-pending disqualification petition. This plea follows two previous letters dated November 21, 2023, and May 13, 2024, seeking resolution on a critical issue concerning the defection of eight Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the Indian National Congress (INC) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The disqualification petition, originally filed on December 6, 2022, targets eight MLAs: Michael Lobo, Digambar Kamat, Alexio Sequeira, Sankalp Amonkar, Delilah Lobo, Kedar Naik, Rajesh Faldessai, and Rodolfo Fernandes. These members are accused of violating the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which is designed to prevent political defections and ensure the stability of elected governments.
Despite the gravity of the allegations and the prolonged 17-month wait for a decision, there has been no conclusive action on this petition. Amit Patkar’s letter highlights the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need for a timely verdict. Recently, the Speaker did issue a verdict on another petition involving Michael Lobo and Digambar Kamat, demonstrating the capacity for resolution within the legislative framework.
In his reminder, Patkar has requested the Speaker to expedite the hearing process and deliver a decision on the disqualification petition in a time-bound manner. He stresses that further delays are unacceptable and underscores the commitment of the Congress Party to seek judicial intervention if the legislative process fails to address their concerns promptly.
The resolution of this petition is not just a matter of procedural compliance but also holds significant political implications for the stability and integrity of the legislative process in Goa. The Congress Party’s insistence on addressing these defections underscores their commitment to upholding constitutional principles and the democratic mandate.
The timely resolution of such disqualification petitions is crucial for maintaining the credibility and functionality of the legislative assembly. The Congress Party, through its president Amit Patkar, has made it clear that they are prepared to take all necessary steps, including approaching the courts, to ensure that justice is served and democratic norms are upheld.
The ball is now in the court of the Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, who must balance procedural due diligence with the pressing need for a prompt and fair resolution.