They are definitely a different breed of people. Cut for a different cloth for sure. Some are capable of ensuring dramatic change by drafting legislation that will be remembered years later. And others are just milling around. But all of them sometimes seem to suffer from a case of foot in the mouth. Yes, we are talking about our representatives in the legislative assembly and in Parliament. The representative of the people can take leave of their senses and say some of the more harebrained statements. Goan politicians have not disappointed.
Earlier in the week the CM of Goa, Pramod Sawant drew flak for his statement in the Assembly that the parents should “introspect” why their children were out on a beach late at night. One of the accused, a government employee, was suspended. Four men, one of them a driver with the agriculture department, allegedly posed as policemen and raped two girls after beating up the boys who were with them on Benaulim beach on Sunday. All the accused had But Sawant’s statements in the Assembly on Wednesday where he appeared to blame the parents led to angry reactions. “When 14-year-olds stay on the beach the whole night, the parents need to introspect. Just because children don’t listen, we cannot put the responsibility on the government and police,” he had said during a debate in the House. This statement drew scorn in the state and the national media. A couple of years earlier then Goa Public Works Department Minister Sudin Dhavalikar insisted that bikinis should be banned on the state’s public beaches. He said “I have (already) given my intention. You can have in private places whatever you want, in public places it should be banned”. Earlier in the year he had triggered a nationwide controversy after he demanded a ban on bikinis, mini-skirts and pubs. The list is pretty long but then this begs the question why do they do what they do. Many just don’t seem to care as long the people in their constituency don’t react.
Goans had very strong views on what needed to be done. Nupura Hautamaki a digital marketer said the CM had to invest firstly in a PR advisor because he seemed to make a lot of statements without really thinking them through. She said “Secondly, the sad part is a lot of Goan people on social media, I have seen are actually agreeing with the CM’s statement, about why 14 year olds were out so late and why did the parents allow them. So more than just the Politicians, it is as a society that we need to change and stop living in the dark ages. And lastly, as the CM it is his and the government’s duty to ensure the safety of all its citizens, 14 years or older or younger”.
A member of the digital world, Jason Fernandes Founder Tokenjay.com was blunt when he said “I don’t think this is something the police should get involved in. It may be a bit ambitious to hope politicians speak responsibly now when their record betrays no such tendencies. The fact is that in a democracy it’s the people’s responsibility to share their displeasure at the ballot box. An activist police force is not a substitute for an educated, informed and reactive populace. Don’t like something a politician says? Replace him – that’s your right as a citizen”. Manish Karapurkar a communication specialist said “Politicians often make bizarre statements either due to ignorance & incompetencies or for political gains. They are the lawmakers and should act responsibly and set an example for citizens. The citizens should feel safe in a state and law and order should be given top priority. Culprits involved in heinous crimes should be severely punished”.
In a democracy diverse views are welcome. Mangirish Salekar, an IT entrepreneur, felt that those trolling the Goa CM must watch Obama, the former American President who said that the government could build the best infrastructure for children but the government could not save children from looking for trouble. Obama had said the government could not give discipline and guidance to kids and that was the duty of the parents. He said “I agree with this and the statement by the CM has been blown out of proportion.”
Jack Sukhija a hotelier based in Panjim felt the statement made regarding parents also being responsible for the rape at Benaulim was most inappropriate. He said “It is absolute clear that the blame here lies with the perpetrators of the crime and they should be dealt with stringently”
Avelino De Sa who has fought for rights for the differently abled said it was important that politicians be questioned by the people. He said “As elected representatives they are representing the people and are answerable to the people for their irresponsible statements as such statements spoil the name of the state”.
Franz D Costa, a marketing professional based in Margao said it was important for the people to keep a track of what their representatives said and did because that was also their duty in a democracy.
It is quite obvious this is a problem that will not go away and the electorate will have to keep an eye for and make the representative pay if he or she does not improve their behavior.
