The article discusses the announcement of a paid holiday on May 10 for Karnataka polls by the BJP government in Goa. While some welcome the move, the decision has drawn criticism from opposition parties and industry bodies.
The BJP government in Goa has announced a paid holiday on May 10, 2024, for all government employees, private establishments, and industrial workers. The holiday has been declared in view of the Assembly polls scheduled in neighbouring Karnataka on the same day. While the government’s decision has been welcomed by some, it has received criticism from opposition parties and industry bodies in Goa.
The government issued a notification on Monday, declaring May 10 a paid holiday for all government servants, including those working in private establishments and industries. The decision was taken to allow Goans registered to vote in Karnataka to exercise their right to vote without worrying about taking time off from work.
Opposition alleges move to influence Karnataka election
However, the announcement has yet to be received well by the opposition parties in the state. The Goa Forward Party (GFP) has criticised the decision, stating that it is an attempt to influence the election results in Karnataka. GFP Chief Vijai Sardesai has accused the BJP government of manipulating the elections in Karnataka by declaring a paid holiday on the day of polling.
The opposition Congress Party has also raised objections to the government’s decision, stating that it is a politically motivated move. Congress spokesperson Trajano D’Mello has alleged that the BJP government in Goa is trying to interfere in the democratic process of another state and influence the outcome of the election.
On the other hand, the ruling BJP has defended the decision, stating that it is aimed at ensuring that Goans who are registered voters in Karnataka can cast their vote without any hindrance. BJP spokesperson Damodar Naik has clarified that the decision has nothing to do with influencing the election and is only meant to facilitate voting for eligible citizens.
The announcement has also drawn criticism from industry bodies in the state. The Goa State Industries Association (GSIA) has termed the decision “absurd” and alleged that the government is taking industries in the state “to ransom” for electoral gains. The GSIA has warned that it may take legal recourse against the decision.
Industry bodies consider legal recourse against holiday
GSIA President Damodar Kochkar has questioned the rationale behind the decision to declare a paid holiday for industries in the state. He has alleged that the move will adversely affect the productivity of industries in the state and hinder their ability to meet production targets.
Meanwhile, the state government has urged all eligible voters to take advantage of the paid holiday and participate in the democratic process. The Chief Electoral Officer of Goa has also assured citizens that necessary arrangements have been made to facilitate the smooth conduct of the polls in Karnataka.
In conclusion, the decision of the BJP government in Goa to declare May 10 as a paid holiday has evoked mixed reactions from various quarters. While some have welcomed the move as a step towards facilitating voting for eligible citizens, others have criticised it as a politically motivated decision aimed at influencing the outcome of the election in Karnataka. The industry bodies in the state have also raised objections, citing concerns about the impact of the holiday on the productivity of industries. With the polls just around the corner, it remains to be seen how the decision will affect the electoral process and its outcome.
