The Goa government today found itself in a spot after a minister and legislators, including some from ruling BJP, rode to Legislative Assembly complex on bikes from a highway without wearing helmets.
Helmets are compulsory for bike riders on highways.
Even, one of the motorbikes had no number-plate.
State Transport Minister Ramakrishna Dhavalikar told reporters later that an inquiry would be conducted.
"A wrong message goes to the public when legislators violate rules. I will initiate inquiry and if required I will initiate action under Motor Vehicle Rules," he said.
Glenn Ticlo, Pramod Sawant, Michael Lobo, Nilesh Cabral and Carlose Almeida (all BJP), Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado, Rohan Khaunte and Naresh Sawal (all independent MLAs) and Goa Vikas Party's Fransisco Miccky Pacheco rode to the Assembly complex on two Harley Davidsons and three Enfield Bullets, some of them riding pillion, this morning.
The Bullet ridden by Ticlo, a legislator from Aldona, had no number plate.
Leader of Opposition Pratapsingh Rane (Congress) said: Even foreigners who visit Goa wear helmets, even while riding bicycles. (But) We feel that it is below our dignity to wear headgear."
However, when confronted by media, Ticlo said, "We want to show to the people of Goa that today's MLAs also have enthusiasm to ride bikes," adding that he had always been a bike-lover.
Ironically, the helmet compulsion rule was discussed during the ongoing session of Assembly.
