Panaji: The Goa Assembly was on Wednesday adjourned
till 2:30 pm after the Opposition disrupted proceedings of the
House demanding a discussion over the detention of Education
Minister Atanasio Monserrate at the Mumbai airport for
allegedly carrying unaccounted foreign and Indian currency.
Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar alleged that the
government was shying away from discussing this crucial issue.
The BJP-led Opposition has given a notice for adjournment
motion to debate this issue on the floor of the House. Chief
Minister Digambar Kamat also agreed to make a statement in the
House but it was refused by the Opposition, which has demanded
sacking of the minister claiming his involvement in the
smuggling activities.
Monserrate was detained on Saturday at Mumbai airport on
his way to Dubai.
Raising the issue before the Question Hour, Parrikar
alleged that "someone" from the Chief Minister`s office had
called up Union Finance minister`s office seeking favour to
release Monserrate.
"There should be a discussion on how much quantum of
money the minister was carrying and whose money it was,"
he said.
Speaker Pratapsingh Rane refusing the adjournment motion
said the Opposition cannot blame the government for one
individual.
Parrikar said a discussion on the issue is expected
because "these are extraordinary circumstances in which
Education Minister is detained at the airport."
As Opposition benches refused to let the business of the
House continue, Speaker adjourned the session till 2.30 pm.
PTI
