JOIN USCongress to move motion over guv's role in Goa
The Congress is set to move a motion against Goa Governor Mridula Sinha in the Rajya Sabha next week.
On Friday, the party forced an adjournment in the Upper House over Mridula’s conduct with regard to her swearing in the Manohar Parrikar-led BJP government in the state.
Congress MPs charged Mridula with breach of propriety and Constitutional norms, saying the governor had consulted Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on the formation of the government.
As soon as the House assembled, Congress’ Digvijaya Singh raised the issue, quoting from a newspaper report, saying he has given a notice to suspend the business for the day and discuss the “gross Constitutional impropriety” committed by the governor.
Mridula had reportedly told the newspaper in an interview that she did not expect the BJP to form the government and spoke to Jaitley before arriving at the decision.
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P J Kurien did not allow the discussion, saying the conduct of a governor could be discussed in the House only through a substantive motion.
This led to an uproar in the Congress benches, with Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad referring to a discussion about the conduct of a former Arunachal Pradesh governor in the House. “How can the governor seek permission of a Cabinet minister to form a government?” Azad said.
“You are going by a newspaper report. I am not bothered about that. I have made it very clear that if you feel that the governor has violated any of the provisions of the Constitution, please bring a substantive motion,” Kurien said.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the government is ready to discuss the issue if the Congress brings a substantive motion. Congress members then rushed to the Well, shouting slogans against the government. In the din, Singh said he would bring in a substantive motion.
To this, Kurien said, “I am not denying or refusing any discussion. If you want to discuss (the governor’s conduct), please give a substantive motion. I will also request the chairman and then we can have a discussion anytime.”
However, unsatisfied Congress MPs continued the protest, forcing Kurien to adjourn the House till noon.