These comments are consciously and deliberately being made by these leaders to boost their own image and exploit the ignorance and the religiosity of the poor and unsuspecting masses. Secondly and also very importantly, they are meant to divert our attention from the more pressing issues that Goa faces like mining, Regional Plan, SEZs, casinos, Special Status, etc. While the BJP had raised a hue and cry on these, while in the Opposition, it is now soft pedaling on them, for reasons not unknown to us.
With the RSS, which claimed to be only a cultural and social organization, now playing an active political role in the Government, it is clear that attempts at polarization will go unchecked. Possibly, in Goa, they are being tried through the MGP. They may not fully succeed, but partly they will, particularly in less developed and less literate areas. Dhavalikars’ closeness to some fringe organizations, which are repeatedly choosing Goa for their Conventions, is suspect. The extremist organization, allegedly involved in the bomb blast in Margao, on the eve of Diwali, has been acquitted but that is no proof of its non-involvement. It is for lack of clinching evidence. Shoddy investigations, for which our police are, by now, extremely notorious, have often resulted in acquittals. The BJP wants us to believe that it was mainly Parrikar who stopped Muthalik from joining their ranks, but it does not say why the police, under him, have failed to book the bigot for declaring that he would distribute swords to every Hindu house. Were they gifts meant to be kept in showcase? Can Parrikar really stop Ram Sene from establishing a branch in Goa or is it an attempt at pulling the wool over our eyes and allowing Muthalik to bring a stay on the decision?
Goans, sympathetic to the BJP and the “altar boys” elected by us, must realize, the earlier the better, what we are in for. Goa and Goans must be above political expediency. It is time to stop feeble murmurs and stand for what is right before it is too late. With the BJP at the Centre, Parrikar is bound to bulldoze his way and return to his old habits. Development is surely welcome and needed. But it cannot be bartered for our freedom, dignity and communal peace. Even the little that we expected from Manohar Parrikar, like discipline and efficiency in offices, end to corruption, better law and order, etc is not forthcoming. Attempts at curbing powers of SPCA, reining in litigants, difficulties faced by RTI applicants, delay in the appointment of Lokayukta, comments on National Green Tribunal and Supreme Court, etc. are all pointers at tightening the screws on our freedom. It is said in Portuguese “Quem nao deve, nao teme” (Those who do not owe, need not fear). Obviously, this Government has much to fear. Hence, these steps let not sinister plans at dividing us succeed. Goa and Goans should be uppermost in our minds and only that can bring unity amongst us, irrespective of caste or creed, which we must display no matter which government is in power.
(The author is a retired banker)
