02 Dec 2020  |   03:55am IST

Ohh.. for some good leaders in Goa

To change the way of governance we need not just cleaner but a newer kind of politicians, a fresh crop who would be willing to go ahead beyond shouting slogans and take to the streets and contest elections. Café spoke to Goans to understand what they felt on this subject which has been a topic of much discussion recently.
Ohh.. for some good leaders in Goa

Ajit John

It is a constant with people in Goa like in the rest of the country to complain about the quality of governance. To complain about the kind of politicians who are present in the system. This conversation has reached a crescendo in Goa with the electorate expressing their ire at the performance of the political class especially with regards the controversial projects which are being pushed forward. The people have stepped out in large numbers to protest these projects and the general sentiment is that it is time  for a new kind of politician who should step up to the mound and be counted. There are several shouting slogans on the road which is in a way the easier bit but who will last the course and effect change. 

The average Goan is not shy when asked for an opinion and comments. Einstein Barretto a businessman felt the last chance to save Goa was in the hands of the youth. He said “This is unfolding Pan Goa in the form of an uprising through the sustained momentum initiated by the Revolutionary Goans . They are sensitising every village about Goa's survival ever since the last uprising witnessed against the Portuguese regime.  We need politicians who are educated and not the illiterate lot we have now.” 

Paresh Kolwalkar an artist who spends time between Goa and Mumbai said this was a subject everyone was talking about in Goa. He said “Right now everyone is discussing it because there is a sense of frustration with the present lot. The question one has to ask is if politics is an interesting career for a clean person. Does an MBA or a CA want to get into politics now? Everyone can shout slogans but who is willing to step in and fight the fights and not get influenced by the temptations that could come your way as a politician and stay clean. If that happens, then the change will occur. Now politics is the refuge of the goonda, the extortion artist and their like”. 

Noted activist Avelino De SA said “To win an election you need money power which many of these people don’t have. Many of them are also not sincere in their work. Hence they do not want to unite with likeminded people and bigger organizations. They are happy in confusing the electorate and splitting the votes.”  Short and very blunt from a man who spent his life fighting for the rights of persons with disabilities. 

Clesito Fernandes who is in service said “Politics is a dirty game, and to play it, you have to get the dirt on yourself. We have many new faces willing to contest elections, but either they are discouraged by their seniors, or while giving tickets corruption ensues, hence it becomes difficult for new faces. Sometimes the ticket is not given because he is too young. It is time to give the tickets to young educated individuals rather than 8th fail corrupt politicians. We need new people to head and save the state as oldies have already sold it out. Finally one has to remember the government is by the people hence it depends on every individual as to whom they want give a chance. I am firmly of the opinion that it is time for a female to head the state.” 

Jervis Pereira, Co-founder an initiative to promote communities in the blue economy said “ The bulk of the Indian demographic of the population today falls in the upto 35 year old category with 36 to 55 being second. Youth today are more informed and keener on social issues than before. They want to relate to their leaders in a collaborative manner. New age Indian politicians will need to transcend these age barriers to reach out to all groups. Environmental sensitivity, Ease of doing business and being E-Oriented are going to be critical areas for leaders to perform under if they are going to attract these brackets. Performance in these areas will determine the outcome of any political leader”. 

All this may sound fine but the response from a businessman who has been around for a while and did not want to be named said nothing would happen because the loot was getting bigger and bigger and it was getting difficult to deal with the temptation for a lot of people. He said the system was subsuming everyone who came forward but he hoped that someone would stand up and take a stand because Goa, he said needed direction now. 

One can only hope that happens soon. 



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