PANJIM: Terming the entire Goa Legislative Assembly’s Monsoon Session as a value erosion of Goan politics, the activists on Saturday accused the elected representatives of diluting politics from “people-centric” into “power centric” to retain their Ministries and positions.
They expressed their views at the Herald TV’s “Ground Zero” programme reviewing the monsoon Session.
RTI activist Shailendra Velingkar said, “The situation in Goa is disturbing and dangerous for the polity of Goa. This has given rise to political ambition clashes and factionalism in the State which is done to keep the ministries intact with the ghost of corruption lurking large over the governance in the State.”
“It is sad that the Opposition parties are raising voices, but the people, who understand politics, have also realised the setting, as the significance of politics in Goa has hit rock bottom,” Velingkar said.
“Opposition MLA Vijai Sardesai and Minister Rohan Khaunte arguing in the Assembly (discussion on tourism properties) is nothing but a setting between them. They raise an issue in the Assembly but at the end of the day it’s a merry happy ending like a Bollywood script. This is nothing but an agreement of you scratch my back and I scratch yours," added the RTI activist
Calling for a big political reform in the State, Velingkar said, “A senior politician like Digambar Kamat is seen demanding for MLAs’ salary rise, but he has failed to see the condition in which the people are at present.”
Social activist Tara Kerkar said, “Every Minister has a portfolio and there are fixed percentages for everyone. Smart City, Atal Setu and Kala Academy work had consultants. Did they not have an idea of what work they are taking up?”
“The Opposition MLAs are much worried about their works being held up if they open up and criticise the government,” she added.
Kerkar said, “Everyone is troubled in Goa. We need to see what has happened in Sri Lanka. We need to raise a voice in the same manner. People need to wake up and stop running behind politicians.”