Anubhi Saxena
PANAJI | The Congress, on Saturday, has claimed that Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant violated the model code of conduct by declaring an appointment of two coalition leaders as Deputy CM in the state.
Through the BJP-led Goa government, Varsha Naik, under secretary issued an order on March 20 appointing Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party’s Sudin Dhavalikar and Goa Forward Party’s Vijai Sardesai as deputy chief ministers. After the death of Manohar Parrikar, Mr Sawant has taken pledge as the new chief minister on March 19.
The complaint alleges violation of article 6(d) of the code which states that “ministers and other authorities shall not make any ad hoc appointments in government, public undertakings etc which may have the effect of influencing the voters in favour of the party in power” while it is in force. Polling will be held in Goa on April 23 for two Lok Sabha seats as well as for by-election to three Assembly seats.
Advocate Rohit Bras D Sa, Spokesperson, GPCC, questioned the urgency of the appointment of the Deputy Chief Minister and allocation of portfolios among the ministers.
“The issuance of this order during the period of the model code of conduct is a clear violation and as such this order should be immediately set aside and strict action should be taken by the officer,” the Congress said in its complaint. Congress has registered a complaint to Election Commission as appointment of Deputy CM is an administrative order and not a constitution appointment.
Designating two Deputy Chief Ministers by BJP is a violation of the model code of conduct, says GPCC Convener of Communication Dept Trajano D’Mello. Also, a copy of complaint has been sent to Chief Electoral Officer in the state. Congress has urged Election commission to take action against the same and has warned government to withdraw the order.
