Goa Speaker expresses dismay over walkout by legislators

Goa Legislative Assembly Speaker Anant Shet today expressed unhappiness over "anti-democratic" conduct of certain MLAs who staged a walkout from House after creating a ruckus.
The walkout happened yesterday after Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar questioned their intention behind raising a issue related to casino industry.
The Speaker was apparently miffed as despite his repeated pleas, which he made while rising from his chair during the pandemonium yesterday, none of the protesting members sat, which he said was against the decorum of the Assembly.
"When I am on my legs, every MLA has to seat in his/her position, but yesterday no one was following the rules," he said.

Expressing his anguish shortly before beginning of Question Hour, the Speaker said, "Yesterday's incident wherein the MLAs created noisy scenes and then walked out of House, is not acceptable. It is against the decorum of the House and democracy."
He appealed to Parsekar, Leader of Opposition Pratapsinh Rane, ministers and all legislators to maintain the dignity of the House and to show respect towards each other.

Reacting to Shet's statement, Parsekar and Rane tendered an unconditional apology on behalf of the members and promised that such an incident would not be repeated.
"Though not a single member of ruling bench was involved in the incident, I am ready to apologise on behalf of all the members," the CM said.

Rane said whatever had happened was "highly unacceptable and should not have happened."
"Not just Opposition, but ruling benches should also take a note that we are representing the state here and we have to maintain dignity and decorum of the House," he stated.