Panaji: The state cabinet on Wednesday decided to advise the governor to summon a monsoon session of the Goa legislative assembly from Aug 31. This could be the last session ahead of assembly elections likely in Feb 2027.Chief minister Pramod Sawant said that the duration of the session would be decided later. Opposition will try to corner govt on land conversion, law and order and smart meters, among other issues.The opposition has been demanding longer sessions to discuss important issues.Leader of opposition Yuri Alemao in a letter urged the governor to direct govt to convene a monsoon session of at least 15 days. Such a session is essential to ensure meaningful debates and discussions on issues that are eroding the state’s image, he said.Alemao said that presently, villagers across Goa, including those in Sarvan-Karapur, are agitating to protect their land from destruction caused by provisions such as Section 39-A of the TCP Act.Unemployment continues to rise, law and order has deteriorated with increasing crime rates, inflation is burdening economically weaker sections, and students are suffering due to failed policies of this govt, he said.Alemao said the budget session was originally scheduled from March 6 to March 27, but it was curtailed after seven sittings, citing the Ponda by-polls and enforcement of the model code of conduct.“The premature suspension deprived the opposition of its rightful opportunity to raise pressing issues affecting the people of Goa. Citizens expect their elected representatives to deliberate and decide on crucial Bills safeguarding our land resources, environment, demography, and identity. The curtailment has left these vital matters unattended,” Alemao saidState govt will introduce a bill to repeal the ordinance Goa Municipalities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, inotified in April. The ordinance has delayed the elections for 11 municipalities in the state scheduled in May.BJP MLAs wanted the municipal elections postponed till the assembly elections are held in 2027.
