Cong opposes Goa resolution to pardon jailed MLA Pacheco

Taking a strong objection to the Goa Government's resolution granting pardon to jailed MLA Francisco 'Miccky' Pacheco, Opposition Congress today demanded that similar clemency be extended to other prisoners languishing in jails.
"We are opposing any move by government to grant pardon to Pacheco. It is a very serious matter. If Pacheco can be pardoned why not others who are languishing in jail?" asked AICC general secretary Digvijay Singh.
Singh was responding to a query on the resolution moved by the BJP government on Wednesday granting pardon to the Goa Vikas Party (GVP) MLA who was sentenced to six months' imprisonment for slapping a government servant in 2006.

The senior Congress leader said though the party has not said a word against the Cabinet's decision during the ongoing state Legislative Assembly session, it has condemned the decision publicly.
Pacheco had applied for parole to participate in the ongoing session. However, before filing his parole plea, he had also moved a mercy petition before the state government seeking a waiver of the jail sentence.
Thereafter, the file was sent to Governor Mridula Sinha for her approval and would be sent back to the state home department after the Governor's signature.