SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024
Diminishing significance of election manifestos
We are on the threshold of a general election which could be one of the most important in the history of our great country. One of the important components of any election is the party election manifesto. But the question that now arises is whether this important party declaration is slowly and steadily losing its significance.
By definition, an election manifesto is a published declaration of the intentions, motives, or views of the political party or an independent candidate. These documents cover a wide range of issues and present the plans, programs and schemes of a political party that will be implemented if voted to power. It serves as a reference document or benchmark for the public at large for what a political party stands for. By comparing the ideologies, policies and programs of the political parties, the electors can decide which party they should vote for to meet their expectations and aspirations.
The ultimate aim of such policy documents is to garner the support and votes of people. However, despite the legal sanctity of any document written in black and white, election manifestos escape this liability resulting in promises and freebies mentioned in the manifestos, many of them outlandish, being forgotten after elections. Hence voters may not be taking the election manifestos too seriously. As a result of which, these written policy documents may be losing their significance. There could be other criteria which play a significant role while voters exercise their franchise.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Agony and the ecstasy of Navelim farmers
Fr George Quadros of Don Bosco is an eco-warrior who kick started the second green revolution in Goa, fondly referred to as the’ paddy man of Goa’, some of the fields were not cultivated for four decades, one of the examples is Navelim, he spread a profound message, that motivates and galvanizes the farmers with the quote ‘in this we are honouring our creator, who has given us this land for - us for our needs and not for our greed.
The seed of community farming that germinated in Chinchinim has now spread to neighbouring villages of Navelim, Sarzora may this green message be taken up by other villages, large scale mechanizations is the way to go, to reduce costs and make it self-sustainable. ‘Goencho Xetkar’ a group of highly qualified professional youngsters. Kenneth (aircraft engineer), Neville (geologist) and Stanley (IT professional), have associated with Fr. George to ease out his work load. A clarion call goes from here to all youngsters to give a helping hand to revive the agriculture and preserve the heritage given to us by our ancestors. The success of the ‘Salpem Lake Farmers’ would not have been possible had it not been for the vision and determination of a few braves who ventured forward, an example for other villages to follow. Wish them success for the second season.
Agnelo Furtado, Chinchinim
Release Selaulim canal water for farmers
I wish to congratulate Salpem Navelim farmers, Fr George Quadross, Antonio Alvares and the Navelim Boidiversity Board for joining hands and bringing barren land under cultivation and for also taking on those poullting water bodies by releasing sewage in fields.
It was great to see rice cultivated in the fields here after decades. I also wish to highlight that a canal was constructed about two decades ago in Telaulim and Navelim. Till now, water is not released in this canal which comes under Selaulim irrigation project. Crores of public money was spent to construct this canal and I request the government and Selaulim Irrigation Department to release water to farmers so that they can cultivate their lands and stop fields from being converted into concrete jungles.
George Joao Fernandes, Navelim
Electing ‘Naari’ will be historic
One political party has finally declared a lady candidate for South Goa seat and shown its commitment for equal participation and representation. The intention was considered a hoax when announced some days ago but it was not so and has thrown a challenge for all. It will be a truly historic moment for Goans if a Naari is elected from South Goa. So far no lady has represented Goa in Lok Sabha except for one from North once upon a time. This is a unique opportunity to make it happen and create history for Goa.
The onus is not only on female counterparts but on all of us immaterial of party affiliation, caste, creed and religion. There is every possibility that elected Naari may even be inducted in the Central Cabinet very soon and we may even have the distinction of getting lady CM in future as this will be just a beginning. It is hoped this golden opportunity is fully utilised by each one to make us proud by setting a record and electing unopposed.
Bhalchandra V S Priolkar, Margao
Who should the Congress field in S Goa?
Has the BJP scored a masterstroke by choosing a person with a credible business background, and a woman? It has been suggested that with Ms Dempo’s candidature, the Congress will be hard pressed not to choose a woman. This would not be the right thing to do at this juncture as it would be a reactive decision. The Congress should be proactive, choose someone with a good track record, commitment to the Congress’s ideology as well as someone with a credible plan for South Goa.
Above all, it requires nominating someone who has a grassroots connect. South Goa/Salcete is not only Margao. The ideal candidate should have a proven track record in grassroots politics and someone who can articulate the constituency’s views. South Goa faces several environment issues, and bore the brunt of the Covid with so many out of a job. It needs a candidate with a holistic view to ground level development and social welfare.
Brian de Souza, Margao
Deal terror outfits with iron hand
This refers to ‘Bloodbath in Russia; 143 killed in concert hall attack’ (March 24), the latest horrific terrorist attack targeting a concert hall near Moscow should alert the international community to the threat the self-styled IS’s Khorasan outfit poses to global security.
Ukraine has denied any involvement in the killing. While the terror activities of the original IS may have lessened to some extent, the IS-K is proving itself to be an able successor to its original outfit’s blood-soaked legacy. The incident taking place just days after the Russian strongman Vladimir Putin coming to power for fifth time, the terror act simply comes as a reminder that non-state actors and abettors are out to create chaos and Moscow is no exception in their scheme of things.
Terror outfits are a reality and must be dealt with iron hands. It must also dawn on all that Afghanistan is once again skipping into anarchy under the present Taliban regime, and with dreaded militants making inroads in the haven; none of the countries including India are free from the terror catastrophes
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
