M A I N   N E W S

Akali-BJP MLAs land for beach brainstorming
Jangveer Singh/TNS

GOA Conclave Begins today During the conclave, ministers are likely to present the progress report of their respective departments Legislators will put forth their queries in an open house Discussions to pivot around improving the quality of governance

We wanted everyone to gather in a pleasant environment and brainstorm issues facing the government as well as the two parties. — Bikram Majithia, Revenue Minister

Panaji, April 7
Akali legislators in white kurta-pyjamas and signature blue turbans along with their BJP colleagues landed in Goa today for the SAD-sponsored two-day ‘Vichar Manthan’ conclave starting tomorrow.

The delegates were driven to the five-star Taj Fort Aguada and Taj Holiday Village on Candolim beach in North Goa in luxury coaches. While most legislators and senior leaders flew in directly from Chandigarh, both Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and his deputy Sukhbir Singh Badal took the flight from Delhi.

While most delegates are staying at Taj Fort Aguada, senior leaders, including the Badals, are putting up in cottage-style suites.

“It feels like we are stepping back into hostel life,” said Health Minister Madan Mohan Mittal, while hoping to bond with his friends in the alliance during the conclave. Mittal said he was feeling relaxed already. “There is no pressure of phones or meetings,” he added. Revenue Minister Bikram Majithia said this was the very idea behind the conclave.

Even the young and first-time legislators are excited. Jalandhar Cantonment MLA and former hockey Olympian Pargat Singh said he was looking forward to gaining exposure from the brainstorming sessions.

Most MLAs retired to their rooms soon after arrival. It was unclear whether there was any directive against sightseeing or the legislators were simply too tired to step out.

The delegates will attend a dinner hosted by Sukhbir tonight. He said he wanted everyone to relax today.

The real business would start tomorrow with ministers expected to explain their contribution in their respective departments. This would be followed by an open house session in which legislators would put forth their queries.

Senior leaders feel the conclave will make governance more responsive in Punjab. Chief Minister’s Adviser Maheshinder Grewal said the discussions would be centred around improving the quality of governance.

Senior Akali leader Prem Singh Chandumajra echoed similar thoughts, saying implementation of policy decisions needed to be simplified and made time-bound.

Still others feel there is a need for better coordination with the BJP saying the government had allowed the Congress take credit for rationalisation of property tax which had come about due to feedback from the grass-roots level.