The chief minister’s self praise that he has fulfilled most promises including keeping all economic promises to the state despite losing Rs 3000 crore from mining revenue will not cut much ice for the BJP to face the next general elections. State economic reports show that this Government has taken a lot of loans from financial institutions to meet the so called political promises much of which are of a recurring nature without any revenue generation and will haunt the Goa’s economy in years to come. In addition the chief minister in order to mop up the revenues has already increased taxes on all essential services and Goans are already feeling the heat.
The chief minister must realize that Goans have voted him for a change. During elections Parrikar made several other promises which he has conveniently bypassed or ignored.
Here are some of these promises which he made and Goans believed him considering his previous short stint as CM.
A new Regional Plan that will facilitate planned development which will generate not only revenue to the state but thousands of jobs for our youth. Goans expect Mr. Parrikar to finalize the RP 20-21 by giving it the importance it deserves so that Goa is developed as per the wishes of the people. The investment Policy declared by him will not make any headway in the absence of the Regional Plan and it will remain only on paper
Parrikar promised Lokayukta within 100 days. He said all illegal mining cases will go to the Lokayukta, he alleged Rs 25,000 crore illegal mining scam and has accused several ex-cabinet ministers of being involved in it. He said Government documentation available will be enough to prosecute them. He promised dedicated corridors to be developed within two and a half years to ensure safer and trouble free transportation.
He promised to take up the case of special status for Goa and assured Goans that if BJP also comes to power at the centre it will be easy for him to fulfill the dream of Goans for a special status. He also promised to bring a favorable solution to the vexed Portuguese citizenship issue which many Goans are trapped into in their search for better lucrative employment opportunities abroad.
BJP assured Goans that BJP manifesto reflected “commitment for change and good governance in Goa and he will govern the state on the motto of development, trust, amity and commitment. People expect the BJP to show the said commitment.
Those who supported for the change are eagerly awaiting for the fulfillment of these unfulfilled promises. A present survey conducted by management students have already highlighted the dwindling popularity / performance of the chief minister and the Government. Failure to address this may force the Goans to explore a third Option to address these issues at the next hustings. The CM should give Goans opportunities and not doles.
