On Monday, the Goa assembly’s winter session was thrown into disarray as opposition members disrupted Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju’s address, demanding accountability for the fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora last month, which claimed 25 lives. The disruption came even before the governor could begin his speech, highlighting the intense political tension surrounding the tragedy and the state government’s response.

The fire, which broke out on December 16, was exacerbated by glaring safety lapses. Investigations revealed that the nightclub had an inadequate number of exits, a thatched roof, and stacks of alcohol, which collectively intensified the blaze. In the aftermath, the club owners, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, fled to Thailand but were later deported and arrested at Delhi airport. Authorities also took action against local officials, including terminating the services of a panchayat secretary and disqualifying a sarpanch, citing their role in allowing the nightclub to operate illegally.

Opposition Leader Yuri Alemao, speaking during the disruption, placed the blame squarely on the state government. “It was our request to the governor that he should speak on Birch and on corruption. This was not a natural disaster but a man-made tragedy,” Alemao said. “There is blood on the hands of this government. Political accountability needs to be fixed. Who is responsible for these 25 deaths? Some people have been made the scapegoats.” He questioned the role of various state departments, including the environment, panchayat, and home ministries, asking what measures were in place to prevent such a tragedy in the future.

Governor Raju, in his speech, extended his “deepest condolences” to the families affected by the Lairai Devi Jatra stampede in Shirgao, the Arpora nightclub fire, and recent road accidents. However, he did not specifically address the Birch by Romeo Lane fire incident in detail during his address. The assembly observed a minute’s silence to honor the victims, but the omission of a focused discussion on the nightclub tragedy drew ire from opposition members.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant defended the governor and criticized the opposition’s actions. “He has mentioned in his speech everything, the good and the bad. Out of respect to the governor, they should have first heard the speech before complaining that he has not said this or that. How did they know what he was going to say in his speech? It is not right what they did,” Sawant said.

Despite the chief minister’s remarks, Congress, AAP, and other opposition members chose to leave the assembly before Governor Raju could commence his speech. They were escorted out as they continued to protest, chanting slogans and pressing for accountability, leaving the session tense and acrimonious.

The incident underscores the continuing political fallout from the nightclub fire and raises questions about the adequacy of safety enforcement, regulatory oversight, and the government’s responsiveness in handling man-made tragedies. Opposition parties have demanded a thorough inquiry into the fire, calling for systemic changes to ensure that such incidents do not recur, while the government faces pressure to demonstrate that it is taking corrective measures.

The disruption also highlights the sensitivity around public safety issues in Goa, especially when loss of life occurs under circumstances that could have been prevented. Both the government and opposition now face scrutiny over how regulatory lapses are addressed and whether accountability extends beyond individual scapegoats to systemic failings.

As the winter session progresses, the nightclub fire is likely to remain a central point of contention, with political parties continuing to clash over responsibility, preventive measures, and the steps taken to support victims’ families. The event has also reignited public debate on building safety norms, enforcement of local laws, and the accountability of elected and administrative officials in the state.

In the immediate term, the Goa government has announced measures to enhance fire safety in public spaces and review licensing procedures for entertainment venues. However, opposition parties have called these steps insufficient, arguing for a full independent inquiry and legislative oversight to prevent future tragedies.

The incident has further strained relations between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Goa and opposition parties, as the assembly floor became a stage for confrontation. Observers suggest that the debate over the Birch by Romeo Lane fire may dominate legislative proceedings in the coming days, with both sides seeking to assert political accountability and public trust.

In the broader context, the tragedy has drawn attention to the need for stringent adherence to fire safety norms in nightclubs and public venues across India. Safety experts have emphasized that inadequate exits, flammable materials, and lax enforcement can turn minor incidents into large-scale disasters, and have called for continuous monitoring and strict compliance measures.

The deaths at Birch by Romeo Lane have already prompted legal action against the club owners and local officials, but opposition leaders argue that political responsibility must also be acknowledged, not just administrative action. The protests in the assembly reflect the broader frustration of citizens and lawmakers alike, who fear that preventable incidents continue to occur due to systemic lapses.

As Governor Raju completes his address and the assembly moves forward with the winter session, the nightclub fire is expected to remain a touchstone issue, shaping debates, questioning policy enforcement, and highlighting the intersection of governance, safety, and accountability in Goa.

The events of Monday underscore the delicate balance between formal proceedings in legislative assemblies and public outrage over tragedies, illustrating how emotional responses to loss of life can influence political discourse, particularly when questions of negligence and regulatory oversight are central to the debate.

The Birch by Romeo Lane fire has become a defining moment for Goa’s governance, drawing attention not only to immediate safety concerns but also to the broader responsibilities of state machinery, elected officials, and regulatory authorities in preventing similar catastrophes in the future.