Odishatv Bureau
Panaji: NCP today made it clear that it was not enthusiastic about the proposal to invite Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi to address special mid-night session of Assembly, on the occasion of golden jubilee year of Goa liberation.

NCP Goa chief, Surendra Sirsat, said that Assembly rules do not allow a non-member to speak on the floor. Sirsat, a former Speaker of the Assembly, added that if somebody of the stature of the Prime Minister is to be invited, then it is for the Speaker to decide.

To invite Rahul was the idea of Congress, which heads the ruling coalition in the state. However, Congress later said that he would attend only the party-level functions. Congress leaders later also said that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh may be invited to address the midnight session.

Sirsat, whose party is a part of the ruling coalition, said government can decide on the invitee, but within the framework of rules. Main opposition BJP had decried the proposal to invite Rahul, and threatened to boycott the session.

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