Goa Legislative Assembly faces protests and bill withdrawal

The Goa Legislative Assembly experienced significant tension during its monsoon session on Monday. The session was marked by opposition protests regarding land conversion and the government's decision to withdraw a controversial anti-conversion bill.

Opposition members, led by Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, rushed to the well of the House after Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar disallowed a question concerning land conversion in No Development Areas. The Speaker ruled the matter was sub judice due to a Public Interest Litigation filed by the Goa Foundation. The protest led to a 10-minute adjournment and the subsequent removal of three MLAs, including Alemao, by marshals.

Separately, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant decided not to introduce the Goa Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2026, during the current session. Following a meeting with legislators, the bill was removed from the Business List due to strong objections from both opposition parties and members within the ruling party. The proposed legislation had sought to criminalize religious conversions involving force, coercion, or fraudulent means, with penalties including life imprisonment.