letters to the editor

Back to square one

Defections and ayaram-gayarams have sadly been a part of Goa's polity always. The recent resignation of Congress MLAs Dayanand Sopte and Subhash Shirodkar is a continuation of this tradition. Both these MLAs were important - while Sopte defeated Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, Shirodkar is a former Cabinet Minister and the erstwhile President of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee. This may be just the start of the weakening of the Congress Legislature Party and in the months to come, we may witness some more MLAs of the Congress resigning or even the remainder 2/3rd legislature party joining the BJP. But one would be curious to know the quid pro quo for their resignation.

While this episode is a new twist in the volatile political situation of Goa, it is also a sign of the decay in our polity where ethics are a rarity. It makes me wonder, on what basis did the Congress repeatedly petition the Governor requesting her to give them a chance to form the Government in Goa? Certainly, these are testing times for the Congress.

Vikas Kamat, Margao

Maka kiteak poddlam?

The title of this letter 'maka kiteak poddlam?' would make a houseful tiatr but the stage on which this tiatr is being staged is the state of Goa and the artistes are all the politicians and we the people are the audience.

The Herald edit titled 'Sanitising Sanstha with indifferent Governance' dated October 14 is a very bold and forthright account of the state of affairs in this our sorrowful state of Goa in which the people are praying for the recovery of our Chief Minister while we the people are suffering in different ways like, 'should we eat fish or not?' Our learned and Goenkarponn professed Ministers do not know whether the tests conducted to certify that the fish is free from chemicals are indeed trustworthy or not and do we need foreign agencies to conduct the tests after certifying that the fish is free of formalin and fit for consumption since the last three months.

As clearly stated by the Editor, no political party has come out and opposed the Santana Sanstha or the politicians supporting this violent organisation. Politicians speak about Goenkarponn but is allowing radical/criminal outfits to take root in Goa and terrorise the citizens of India called Goenkarponn?

The CM is on his way out but he is not leaving his chair yet. So till then all that we sussegad Goans can do is to sit in our balcaos and say ''maka kiteak poddlam?'

Matias Lobo, Tivim

Why only a 30-day ban?

A day after TCP Minister’s statement calling for a ban on the import of fish, it is understood that the Health Minister has moved a note for banning fish imports in Goa for 30 days (Herald October 16). The question that arises is why should the ban be implemented for only 30 days and why should there not be a permanent ban on the import of fish? Going by the posts and comments on the social media, the popular demand from the fish loving Goans is to bring a permanent ban on the import of fish from other states.

What stops the government from implementing a permanent ban on the import of fish? When the state is self-sufficient in its demand for fresh fish, as there has been bumper catch of fish year round, why should the government go for expensive methods of testing of fish which in the long run will only increase the price of this staple food? 

Will it be possible to check all the fish that will be imported into the state every single day? 

Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco

Saligao plant, a govt blunder

Saligao Garbage Treatment Plant is a Govt blunder. The decision of having a garbage plant at Saligao plateau is a big blunder made by the government, as all surrounding villages are facing the brunt.

The soil is polluted, the spring water and the well water has been contaminated and above all, the strong winds carry the foul odour to all the surrounding villages. Government should shut down this plant no sooner alternative arrangements are made and use the current unit for some other purpose. 

Construct garbage plants across Goa with a buffer zone of no development within a radius of 6 kms around the garbage plant. 

Offer government grants for Panchayats that are not well to do, to employ a minimum of four labourers in each ward for picking up littered garbage on a daily basis. 

Carey Cordeiro, Saligao

My take on '#MeToo'

For the past few weeks, the '#MeToo' issue has been trending. The kind of hype this activity has created is such that many women have come upfront and shared their monstrous stories. In many of the cases the victims were told to "not to make it an issue" as it would damage their career and reputation. And it's a commendable movement, the way these victims have come out without the 'fear badge' and unfolded the real truth.

It takes a lot, for women to come out and the plethora of details suggests most of these accusations are true. What I am really disappointed to see is the way Journalist and Media Companies are making this an issue about politics. This is not about BJP vs Cong, Left vs Right. '#MeToo' is greater than cheap politics. 

This event has been a game-changer, and has at least made men more sentient of their behaviour towards women. The age old agenda of a sister being weaker to her brother, will be perishing soon, and women will have their rights. The patriarchal mindset of the entire society, is the only matter of concern. Gender sensitisation in homes, colleges, and workplace, making all of these safe, is the only solution. The next step lies in our hands. We need to fabricate a new culture of true respect, not only towards women, but also towards plants and animals..

Hoping that Justice will be served, I would end this take, by calling these victims 'bravehearts'; May God bless you with more power! 

Vaman Shyam Sankhalker, Honda