Goa speaker defends assembly sitting on Eid

The decision to run the Goa assembly on Eid-ul-Zuha Wednesday was taken after consulting leaders across political parties, including Leader of Opposition Pratapsing Rane, the speaker has clarified.

Goa Speaker Rajendra Arlekar of the BJP said the decision to allow functioning of the house Wednesday was taken by the business advisory committee, which comprises representatives from all political parties, including Leader of Opposition Pratapsing Rane of the Congress.

Rane, however, boycotted the assembly proceedings Wednesday to protest the speaker's decision to hold the assembly sitting on the Eid day.

Arlekar accused his detractors of indulging in petty politics for their criticism of a collective decision.

"Some people here are trying to indulge in petty politics by saying that a functioning assembly on Bakr-i-Eid was not right. They are just indulging in petty politics. We bear no ill-will towards our Muslim brethren," Arlekar said, wishing people "Eid mubarak".

While the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government has announced a public holiday Wednesday, staff of the state assembly were asked to remain present. All heads of departments, except for those who are Muslim, were also asked to remain present at the assembly.