Opposition moves no-confidence motion in Goa

Panaji: The opposition in Goa on Wednesday formally moved a no-confidence motion against the BJP-led coalition government.

Nine opposition members, including seven from the Congress, supported the motion of no-confidence that was allowed by Speaker Anant Shet.

Earlier, the opposition staged a walkout during Question Hour, accusing the treasury benches and the Speaker of conspiring to ensure that questions critical of the government were missing from the day's roster.

"Pointed questions related to the offshore casino parked near the Dr. Salim Ali bird sanctuary, garbage collection scam and a question related to purchase of government vehicles which we had asked are suspiciously missing today," legislator Vijai Sardesai said.

Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said: "The opposition MLAs have asked the questions to the wrong department. Hence they were transferred to another department and answered as unstarred questions."

Only starred questions are allowed to be asked by members during Question Hour.

The Goa assembly has 40 members, of which 26 occupy the treasury benches.