Resolution demanding Marathi as official state language passed

Goa Legislative Assembly today passed a resolution demanding Marathi be made official language of the state along with Konkani, but with a rider that stakeholders would be taken into confidence.
Independent MLA Naresh Sawal moved the private members' resolution on the floor of the House to make Marathi as official language of Goa along with Konkani, which is already notified by the government.
The resolution was amended by BJP MLA Siddharth Kuncolienkar, who added that stakeholders and people should be taken into confidence before notifying Marathi as official language.
The resolution was opposed by opposition member, Independent MLA Vijai Sardesai, who claimed, "Goa's unique identity would be diluted if Marathi will be allowed to be made official language along with Konkani."

"Konkani has been already declared as official language of the state, which saw wide spread agitation during the 80s on the issue. Let the people decide on official language. Legislative Assembly should not decide," he said, calling for referendum on the issue on lines with the opinion poll that was held to decide about merger of Goa with neighbouring Maharashtra.
Goa Vikas Party legislator Caetan Silva and Congress MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco said that notifying Marathi as official language "would create rift in the state."
BJP MLA Vishnu Wagh supporting the resolution narrated historical anecdotes of how Marathi language and its literature has roots in Goa as much in Maharashtra.

He accused some of the legislators of speaking in the House on the issue "without knowing the history of the language.