The Changing Face of Goan Politics
Why not think of bringing those who vote with no thought of stable governance to dock, asks pachu menon
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A letter to the editor appearing in one of the local dailies correctly summed up the political scenario that is prevalent in the state today. The part where the writer describes his ‘foolish audacity’ to stand for an assembly election and the consequential snubbing by a well meaning neighbour, who had the cheek to inform him that in spite of being a good man he would not do ‘their work’, should come as an eye-opener to many who want to plunge into the political arena and change the whole system.
The “you scratch my back and I will scratch yours” tone with which every aspiring candidate is greeted and encouraged, leaves nothing to the imagination. When the electorate itself has no compunctions about expecting their elected representatives to promote corruption and nepotism, why should it cry foul when, in a sudden flash, their leaders are caught with their pants down, literally?
The initial period, when a newly elected member learns the ropes, is nothing less than an initiation into the mannerisms of ‘flowing with the tide’, graduating into devising flagrant ways of flaunting and bending the law of the land. The first stint in the house goes into cementing one’s place in the order of things – the alliances and loyalties that will decide one’s political future. The growing power and the consequential riches gradually become addictive.
There are a few who appear to be in a hurry and intent on scaling the peaks in a jiffy. I would call these contenders ‘the by default’ members. They are the dark horses in multi-cornered contests who triumph due to splitting of votes. Unsure of an encore, a sense of insecurity drives them into acting insensibly. Some cling on purely on the strength of their bargaining power, others resort to muscle power.
Politicians have two ways of being noticed. Some prefer working silently in the knowledge that as elected representatives they owe it to their constituents to strive for their welfare and betterment and, in the process, bring about all-round development.
The others are seen hollering, threatening the government over unrelated issues. They thrive on scandals and controversies. Their money and muscle-power creates this arrogance. Though the later variety is more ‘visible’, it is the former that go on to become seasoned politicians, leaving a lasting impression on the state or national polity.
Goa is today agog with reports of the misdemeanours of former Tourism Minister Francisco ‘Mickky’ Pacheco. Mickky, very much like our dear Lalu, represented a new trend in politics. A macho, non-caring image; the top buttons of his designer shirts undone; sleeves rolled up and trendy sunglasses atop a balding forehead, he looked everything but the high-profile cabinet minister that he was.
His devil-may-care attitude almost always put him in spots of bother. He had a penchant for showing aggression in unusual ways. Every inch of his persona was an antithesis of the traditional politician. Why then should such a person be called a man of the masses; a leader who was, not once or twice, but three straight times elected from his constituency? Isn’t the electorate at fault then?
Goan politics could well be described as a village (and, sometimes, city) where, at the drop of a hat, a dozen contestants stake claims for a party-ticket. Councillors and panchayat presidents, doctors and engineers – the increasing numbers of independents in the fray for every poll is an indication. A local TV channel very sarcastically mentioned that of one of the prominent villages in South Goa had the rare distinction of electing only ‘tainted candidates’ to the assembly for the past 30 years; a record of sorts. Some of the political big-wigs in the state love to court controversy; getting involved in scandals and scams is their main forte!
We whine about our own people turning marauders and plundering this wonderful land. Instead of accusing the politicians, why don’t we think of bringing those villagers to book who exercised their franchise without any thought for stable governance in the state? We elect them and spend the next five years complaining about their faults and errors; for siphoning millions into their private accounts at our cost.
But we are never heard cursing ourselves for that one thoughtless ‘electronic click’ that sealed our fates; we apparently do not even rue that tactless folly. An editorial in a leading daily went so far to state that “the irresponsibility of voters has got a lot to do with the political instability that has been the state’s longest surviving plague”. How very true.
A newly inducted minister, a newcomer to mainstream politics, was overheard saying that he should not be called a greenhorn, as there is nothing called ‘inexperience’ in politics. According to him, the proximity of the people and years of public service is enough to qualify one as a thoroughbred. What logic!
We definitely have been flippant. An unwarranted caution when deciding on our representatives has quite often resulted in the same fare being dished out in different names. In spite of having a host of alternatives, we continue sticking to the ‘tried and tested’ ones. We cry for change, but have no ardent wish to contribute our mite – we would rather be led.
Discussions in pubs and taverns over a ‘quarter’ and disagreeing over the policies of the government serve no purpose, and will always be ‘tipsy arguments’. Purportedly, the best pastime today is to hurl abuses at politicians, those whom we have collectively ‘endorsed’ as our rulers, albeit in the comfort of our homes – for fear of the ‘sanctions’ they may impose upon us.
We relish the voyeuristic pleasures gained by peeping into their private lives. Insolence on their part could well be ascribed to their supreme confidence that their personal matters can never become public. Savouring the publicity afforded by the media, they appear to be least bothered by gnawing pains of conscience at the seriousness of the accusations levelled against them. Till such time that the elected representatives are forced to assume responsibility for all their acts of omission and commission, we, the general public, will continue to wallow in self-pity.
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Five Times, Why?
By Bernardo Elvino de Sousa
After World War II, Japanese plastic toys imported into Goa were scorned for their lamentable quality. The quality revolution, led by US experts Deming and Juran in the ’50s using statistical methods and quality management tools revolutionised manufacturing approaches in Japan and transformed it into a high quality powerhouse.
One of the quality management issues is to identify the root cause of a problem that typically differs from the immediate cause – a technique that does not require academic qualifications; Std X or XII will do –is ‘Five Times Why’, developed by Toyota and now an integral part of branded methodologies like Six Sigma. It consists of asking the question ‘Why’ five times. The number five is not cast in stone, and can vary. Take the following fictitious example:
The MV River Princess drifts away from Panjim port’s outer anchorage during stormy weather.
Why #1: Why did the MV River Princess drift away? Because it was not properly anchored for stormy weather.
Why #2: Why was it not anchored properly? Because the pilot did not know it would storm.
Why #3: Why did he not know that? Because he had not consulted the weather forecast.
Why #4: Why had he not consulted it? Because he was thirsty and in a hurry to go for a drink.
Even though the immediate cause is inadequate stabilisation of the ship, the root cause is poor awareness of staff. The solution is improved training and a checklist of activities to be accomplished before disembarking.
Lately, Goa is being called the rape capital of India. Applying the ‘Five Times Why’ technique gives an unexpected answer:
Why #1: Why is there a high incidence of rape in Goa? Because Goan men cannot control themselves.
Why #2: Why can’t they control themselves? Because they possess alarmingly high levels of testosterone.
Why #3: Why do they possess high levels of testosterone? Because their diet consists of aphrodisiacal foods.
Why #4: Why do they consume aphrodisiacs? Because they are traditional, highly prized, easily available.
Why #5: Why are they easily available? Because there is no law prohibiting them.
Unbelievable but true, it is the diet that needs to change. The eminent 16th century Dutch scholar and physician Bernard ten Broecke, better known as Dr Paludanus, who studied Indian fruits, states that roasted jackfruit seeds “increase lust, for which cause they are most used to bee eaten”. Further, he claims that cashew nuts “…being a little roasted are eaten in that sort, and used to provoke lust”. He relates that according to Serapio, bananas, which he calls ‘Indian figs’, “make men apt for leacherie”. So the consumption of bananas, roasted cashew nuts and jackfruit seeds needs to be urgently and immediately banned in Goa for men under 60.
A team chaired by Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, who is impartial since he does not depend on Goans’ votes, comprising the Ministers of Health, Home, Tourism and Goa Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik – who has expressed strong views on the subject – will need to meet to apply the ‘Five Times Why’ technique to address this and other ills that afflict Goa, such as the MV River Princess that, in June, celebrates a decade of stability – a role model for Goa’s governments.
The discussions can be captured on CCTV – as suggested by the chief minister – and serve as a case study for the Goa Institute of Management. In order to keep a clear mind, they must avoid alcoholic beverages during these discussions and, since the law applies equally to everyone, they will not be allowed to nibble on roasted cashew nuts or eat bananas.
The honourable ministers, however, need not thirst during their deliberations and can indulge in a viable alternative – Dr Paludanus has only praise for another ubiquitous beverage: “This water being drunke, is very good against the heate of the liver and the kidnies, and cleanseth the yard from corruption and filthie matter.” He refers to coconut water. The honorable MP can be exempted; he is over 60.
The author can be contacted at: [email protected]
