PORVORIM: In a congratulatory motion that lasted over two hours on Wednesday, the state legislative assembly lauded Poriem Congress MLA and former chief minister Pratapsingh Rane for completing 50 years as a member of the House. Rane is currently in his 11th term as MLA.
Terming the octogenarian and five-time chief minister as a visionary leader and a gentleman politician, members of the House urged him to contest the upcoming 2022 assembly elections.
Rane, however, clarified that he was yet to make a final decision on this.
Requesting MLAs with folded hands not to waste the House’s precious time over congratulating him, Rane said, “I am happy for the love showered upon me. Whatever you seek to say about me, be it good or bad, you can say outside the House. In the House, you have already congratulated me and I thank you all. But time will not wait for us. The business of the House is very important and must be a priority.”
Goa’s longest-serving MLA advised his counterparts to meet members of the general public and patiently hear their grievances. He told the legislators that even if they get small works done for the people, they would continue to get elected for the next 50-100 years.
Opposition leader Digambar Kamat who moved the congratulatory motion, praised the veteran politician for his contribution to the overall development of the state. “His long career as MLA will always inspire upcoming leaders. He has performed his duty with dignity, decorum and discipline by respecting the values and principles of democracy,” Kamat said.
Health minister Vishwajit Rane said that he had sought to hold a function to commemorate his father’s achievement.
Recollecting an incident during Rane senior’s tenure as chief minister, Vishwajit said, “One day, I was giving instructions to a person while my father was behind me. He immediately summoned me and told me in front of over 100 people that Goa is a democracy and that only he could give instructions as CM and not me.”
As the motion proceeded, members of the House said Rane was instrumental in acquiring land in the state to meet future developmental needs.
They also praised him for resolving the contentious issues of language and statehood. Rane’s noted achievements including improving the state’s network of roads, enhancing water supply and uplifting the education sector, were also appreciated by the members of the House.
They said that Goa boasts of a huge forest cover because of Rane’s efforts even as they appreciated his work towards starting the Kadamba Transport Corporation.