It is also seen time and again some political leaders use it as a tool for their political survival and to mislead masses e.g. Konkan Railway, Mopa, etc. We are now enjoying fruits of rail project and find difficulty to get seat as per convenience in spite of dozens of trains on the route and same will be with Mopa.
Nowadays it has become a fashion cum business tool to show one’s importance and may be to extract favours (cash/kind) by raising protest. Besides it gives them overnight publicity as media is just in waiting. Some unknown individuals, claiming to be self care takers of place, simply oppose the project and lo the next day matter is in media with photo clippings thereafter continued with daily coverage. Then some exile politicians join them with ‘words’ like preserving ecology, nature, environment, heritage etc. even without learning the pros and cons of it. One can understand of individuals but it is a pity that even ruling Ministers and MLAs also join the band wagon and in most cases openly side them.
Being a part of Government they are supposed to go to masses and convince them the merits and not expose their self ignorance which is really pathetic. Even the State Government itself is turning down projects/schemes planned by Centre as reported in media. We are opposing highways, roads, bypasses, bridges, etc but ready to face traffic jam for hours and finally blame Government.
It is a matter of concern that projects under execution/in advance stage are halted for petty reasons/political revenge. But none is coming forward to suggest ways and means to tackle it efficiently, effectively and economically. Finally it is we who are going to face the brunt in terms of taxes for the delay. It is high time we shed differences and come out of these petty politics and crab mentality, which is detrimental to our progress, and consciously work for making Goa a model State.
