In this day and age, everybody is connected to everything.
No longer is it just about what ‘the adults’ think. We’re rapidly moving
towards becoming a generation of young movers, shakers, thinkers and shapers.
This extends to politics, where the youth definitely lends a voice to things
happening around them.
Completing 20 years in politics, Manohar Parrikar will be
elevated from the post of Goa’s Chief Minister to (in all likelihood) India’s
new Defence Minister, making him one of the most powerful ministers in the
Narendra Modi government. Three names that have turned out to be frontrunners
for the race are state health minister Laxmikant Parsekar, Assembly Speaker
Rajendra Arlekar and Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza.
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While most of Goa’s youngsters have an inkling of the
abilities of their ministerial candidates, they are more certain still about
their expectations from the next Chief Minister of Goa. “I follow politics
keenly and I am aware of the three candidates vying for the post of Chief
Minister. I feel that the successor to the role should be bold like Manohar
Parrikar, but employee supportive at the same time and should maintain what
Parrikar has built,” says Gayatridas Gauthankar, a veterinarian from Bicholim.
Though there are strong hints amongst BJP Legislators about
Parsekar being the front-runner for the Chief Ministerial post, it will not be
an easy task succeeding Parrikar. “No one can replace Manohar Parrikar. It is
not easy to run Goa as Goan wants are very demanding. It gives rise to a
dynamic leader in Goa. In my opinion, the most suitable person at this hour
would be Rajendra Arlekar,” says Donovan Fernandes, a web designer from Arpora.
While Manohar Parrikar, who led BJP to victory in 2012 will
be shifting to the Centre, there are hopes that the Goa Government will perform
efficiently under the new Chief Minister and Goan youth have clear-cut
expectations right from sanitation, greener environment and development, to a
corruption free Goa.
