25 Jan 2022  |   06:01am IST

OPPORTUNISTS WITHOUT ANY SCRUPLES

Parthasarathy Sen

This refers to the editorial "Goa sets new unsavoury Political Trends" (Herald, January 23). Switching loyalties from one political party to another by current law makers both before and after elections is nothing new in our politics, as on date in Goa about 40 per cent of MLAs have switched allegiances. This only shows to what extent Goan politics has plummeted. 

Permit me to tell an incident that happened in heartland (Uttar Pradesh). There was a gentleman who belonged to the Congress and passed away all of a sudden. On enquiring the cause was found out that he committed suicide after his son had joined the then Praja Socialist Party, father could not bear disloyalty of his son.

That was old politics where some ethics, some shame existed. Today's politics and politicians are absolutely flexible. Most enter politics to make hay while the sun shines, like in everything else, we and politicians, are by and large opportunists without any scruples. And before every election this happens, all netas are committed to serve people and country. They set the example of more money making, our people follow suit, with rare exceptions. Exceptional people work hard to create money till a point and no further, for they believe that too much money making leaves one poor in many other facets of life. 

Coming back to present political scenario in Goa, the presence and influence of multiple political parties instead of two prominent ones and local parties earlier have compounded the problem of shifting goalposts. Two parties, the AAP and TMC are in the race along with existing parties. AAP had contested earlier but lost, this time some better performance expected. TMC is working hard to dethrone ruling BJP since the Congress is sloppy and disorganised. There is no pre-poll alliance among parties, there could be post-poll arrangements if need be.

Ever since the passing away of Manohar Parrikar, the BJP does not have the might and élan of governance and leaders. Half a dozen of BJP leaders, similarly Congress leaders and others have changed sides and even after changing have returned back to the parent organisations. Nobody can foretell or even guess which party or individual will be the winner in the coming polls. 

The electorate in Goa have to judge wisely and put a stable government in place. This humble writer is nobody to dictate but will be happy to see wisdom and prosperity of all Goemkars in future irrespective of all social and economic differences. Main issues relate to security of lives and livelihood, good infrastructure, social harmony, young power properly put to use to end helplessness and disillusionment, fighting the pandemic, respect for Goan culture and heritage, ending crass and meaningless commercialisation, beautifying the State in all ways, etc. If good, honest and able candidates are selected they will transform everything better for a New Goa.

Polling on February 14, must be absolutely fair and peaceful, every eligible person must vote, Mandate 2022 has to express the will of the people, as an optimist, lover and well wisher of Goa and Goans, I hope for a useful government that thinks and acts in the interests of all residents.


IDhar UDHAR

Idhar Udhar