<p>The Opposition in Goa is up in arms over the dates of the upcoming Budget Session from March 24 to April 12, which coincides with the Catholic Holy Week of Lent, with Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat accusing the BJP-led coalition government of being insensitive to the state's Catholic community.</p>.<p>"It is shocking to note that the BJP government in Goa has scheduled the 12-day session of the Goa assembly which coincides with the Holy Week of the Catholic community," Kamat said on Wednesday, reacting to the notification issued by the Legislature department earlier today. Kamat has said that the Opposition would seek alteration in the dates of the Budget Session during an upcoming meeting of the Business Advisory Committee, which finalises the agenda for an Assembly session.</p>.<p>"The Holy Week commences on March 28 and goes up to April 3. One of the working days according to the assembly schedule during the Holy Week is Thursday, when Catholics observe Maundy Thursday. Goa is known for its communal harmony and respect for all religions," he also said.</p>.<p>The 46-day period of Lent follows Carnival and is a period of fasting and religious observances for Catholics. Maundy Thursday is regarded by Catholics as the day when Jesus Christ is believed to have participated in the Last Supper with his apostles. Lent or the 'Lenten period' ends on the eve of Easter Sunday. Roman Catholics account for nearly 26 per cent of Goa's nearly 1.5 million population.</p>.<p>Former Deputy Chief Minister and Goa Forward party president Vijai Sardesai also slammed the Goa government for the decision.</p>.<p>"In order to become a BJP star, @DrPramodPSawant is working hard to destroy Goa’s social harmony. It’s shameful that the @goacm chose to hold the #BudgetSession during #HolyWeek, observed by all #Goan Catholics across the state. Sawant should change the dates immediately!" Sardesai said.</p>
<p>The Opposition in Goa is up in arms over the dates of the upcoming Budget Session from March 24 to April 12, which coincides with the Catholic Holy Week of Lent, with Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat accusing the BJP-led coalition government of being insensitive to the state's Catholic community.</p>.<p>"It is shocking to note that the BJP government in Goa has scheduled the 12-day session of the Goa assembly which coincides with the Holy Week of the Catholic community," Kamat said on Wednesday, reacting to the notification issued by the Legislature department earlier today. Kamat has said that the Opposition would seek alteration in the dates of the Budget Session during an upcoming meeting of the Business Advisory Committee, which finalises the agenda for an Assembly session.</p>.<p>"The Holy Week commences on March 28 and goes up to April 3. One of the working days according to the assembly schedule during the Holy Week is Thursday, when Catholics observe Maundy Thursday. Goa is known for its communal harmony and respect for all religions," he also said.</p>.<p>The 46-day period of Lent follows Carnival and is a period of fasting and religious observances for Catholics. Maundy Thursday is regarded by Catholics as the day when Jesus Christ is believed to have participated in the Last Supper with his apostles. Lent or the 'Lenten period' ends on the eve of Easter Sunday. Roman Catholics account for nearly 26 per cent of Goa's nearly 1.5 million population.</p>.<p>Former Deputy Chief Minister and Goa Forward party president Vijai Sardesai also slammed the Goa government for the decision.</p>.<p>"In order to become a BJP star, @DrPramodPSawant is working hard to destroy Goa’s social harmony. It’s shameful that the @goacm chose to hold the #BudgetSession during #HolyWeek, observed by all #Goan Catholics across the state. Sawant should change the dates immediately!" Sardesai said.</p>
