Gaonkaari
Panaji, March 21, 2026: St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar has submitted a Notice of Motion for Breach of Privilege under Rule 76 of the Goa Legislative Assembly, raising serious concerns over the proceedings held on March 16, 2026, during the Thirteenth Budget Session.
Allegations Over Rule Violation in Morning Session
In his notice, Borkar has alleged that Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar failed to correctly apply Rule 290 during the morning session.
He stated that an inadmissible and prolonged discussion on the Model Code of Conduct linked to the Ponda by-election was allowed, despite not being part of the listed business or a valid point of order.
According to him, the discussion was permitted to evolve into a full-fledged debate in violation of procedural rules.
Procedural Lapses and Lack of Ruling
The MLA further claimed that the Speaker did not route the issue through the appropriate procedure under Rule 291.
He also alleged that no clear ruling was issued, which disrupted the House’s scheduled business and set the stage for subsequent developments.
Allegations of “Pre-Determined” Proceedings
A key allegation in the notice pertains to the afternoon session of March 16.
Borkar has claimed that the proceedings were “pre-determined and scripted” in coordination with the executive.
He pointed to the official Valedictory Remarks document, which reportedly referred to the passage of the Appropriation Bill and completion of legislative business in the past tense even before these events had taken place.
Constitutional Concerns Raised
According to Borkar, this raises serious constitutional concerns about whether key decisions were finalised before the House convened.
These include:
- Suspension of rules
- Passage of 79 Demands for Grants
- Approval of the Goa Appropriation Bill
He termed this a “serious breach of legislative privilege” and an attack on the independence and dignity of the Assembly.
Objection to Removal of Opposition MLAs
The notice also objects to the removal of opposition members during the passage of the Appropriation Bill.
Borkar alleged that official records misrepresent the events as routine proceedings, without reflecting the curtailed session, lack of debate, and lapse of private members’ business.
Demand for Privileges Committee Probe
Borkar has urged that the matter be referred to the Committee on Privileges under Rule 80 for a detailed investigation.
He has sought:
- Examination of official records
- Questioning of legislative secretariat staff
- Review of session recordings
Matter to Be Placed Before Governor
Given that the notice concerns the Speaker, Borkar has requested that the matter be brought to the attention of the Governor of Goa and handled in accordance with constitutional propriety.
“To Protect Dignity of Legislature”
Stating that he acted in discharge of his constitutional duty, Borkar said the move aims to protect the dignity, supremacy, and independence of the legislature.
He emphasised that the events of March 16 must be properly recorded for the people of Goa.
