The threat by Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly Rajendra Arlekar of initiating breach of privilege proceedings in the ensuing session of the Goa Legislative Assembly commencing on 3td March is ridiculous. An appeal has been made to the Members of the Goa Legislative Assembly not to be misled by the Speaker Mr. Rajendra Arlekar. All the 39 MLAs have been given the complete details of the issues raised in public interest against Rajendra Arlekar including the purchase of that 500 sq mt plot at Porvorim purchased for 72 lakhs and the petrol pump at Vasco currently illegally being owned by Rajendra Arlekar on he having become an MLA and the Speaker.
Have nothing personally against Rajendra Arlekar whom I have known for the last two decades. That sale deed of Rajendra Arlekar's plot at Porvorim came to my knowledge accidentally as I was looking for the sale deeds of land at Porvorim to be submitted to the High Court which was hearing the Communidade land grab case against Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar. By merely asking the concerned authorities to investigate a complaint based on documents against Rajendra Arlekar, have by no stretch of imagination committed any breach of privilege of the Legislative Assembly. The issues raised pertain to the alleged acts of omission and commission by Rajendra Arlekar and it has nothing to do with the Goa Legislative Assembly which we all hold in the highest esteem. No one can be and none should be threatened with breach of privilege of the House for speaking up against any Member of the House for acts done in an individual capacity, for which, neither the Constitution, nor the law affords protection. Freedom of speech and expression cannot be trampled upon by misuse of office either by threatening defamation proceedings or by misusing official machinery. People in public life should allow all their acts and deeds to be open for public scrutiny. By merely placing the documents before the Anti Corruption branch and the Income Tax authorities and seeking a probe into the alleged illegalities by Rajendra Arlekar it does not amount to no act of defamation too. Rajendra Arlekar has stooped to such low levels in threatening consequences for speaking up. Over the last four decades have faced such situations but was never intimated or cowed down by such high-handed tactics. Fighting corruption, nepotism and maladministration has to be every citizen's goal. In an age when transparency, accountability and Zero tolerance to Corruption has taken centre stage it is imperative to encourage citizens to come forward to cleanse up any rot that surfaces on the socio-political horizon. Aires Rodrigues T1 - B30, Ribandar Retreat Ribandar - Goa - 403006 Mobile: 9822684372
