Is Cong strengthening the “hand” of illegal mining?
At the onset’ let us put on record that no court of law has judged Jitendra Deshprabhu guilty of illegal mining. The controversial prodigal who has returned to the Congress after contesting on an NCP ticket, and then thrown out of that party, happens to be the unfortunate face of the politician-illegal mining nexus.
While bigger political heavyweights like Subhash Shirodkar, Joaquim Alemao and Shyam Satardekar have their hands deep in the mining business where the lines between legal and illegal or irregular blur, Deshprabhu has actually been arrested on charges of illegal mining in his property. The Directorate of Mines and Geology had earlier confirmed illegal ore extraction from his property and imposed a Rs 1.7 crore fine on Deshprabhu.
By bringing him back into the party, when there was no immediate pressure or compulsion, the Congress has opened itself to an intense round of attacks about its absolute lack of seriousness in tackling illegal mining. The two pictures of Deshprabhu whisked away by the crime branch in August and now the picture of the same man embracing the GPCC president Subhash Shirodkar as he returned back to the party, do not make a pretty picture.
The Congress might think that the focus on illegal mining is now off, with the Shah Commission report expected only after the elections, but how will it answer questions that Deshprabhu was held for illegally extracting iron ore from within his property. In a sense this is the most visible form of illegal mining- people extracting in private or semi private areas without any permission or prospecting however.
Even within the party, there is opposition to his re-induction. The Congress’ campaign in charge Mauvin Godinho refused to be present at the GPCC for Deshprabhu’s induction. But there is a bigger question. Was Deshprabhu’s induction discussed by the GPCC at any level? Is there a screening mechanism for taking people into the party including re-inducting old timers? And has it escaped everyone’s notice that the Congress’ ally the NCP has expelled him from the party, following his arrest.
Goa needs answers. The Congress cannot expect the people of Goa, to see and accept any decision it takes without questioning. But this expectation takes wing and gets strength, when there is no formal exercise to evaluate both new entrants as well as old ones.
Deshprabhu’s re-induction or even his keenness to get back into electoral politics is not in conflict with democracy. But it is in conflict with the Congress’ morality. It cannot take a moral high ground on corruption or illegal mining by taking Deshprabhu back on the eve of elections.
The Congress has its work cut out. In case it manages to win the elections, it needs to take visible action against illegal mining and strengthen mechanisms. Will it pursue its investigations into Deshprabhus actions as well as that of others with the same zeal, remains to be seen.
Chief Minister Digambar Kamat needs to deal with this seriously. This isn’t a common cold and will not go away during and after the elections. In one embrace, Subhash Shirodkar sent out a message that the Congress is willing to make many compromises, to take a shot at power.
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people’s edit
Are regional parties
a better option?
Nelson Lopes
When Goa was liberated, there were two parties in the reckoning: MGP and the United Goans. With all their limitations, they were closer to the needs and aspirations of the local populace. The wise politicians of the time and of the day weaved the dream that joining and aligning with the National parties alone will advance our cause for quick development. We obtained statehood and official language, but as a State, we are still to get even after 50 years, the High Court and Broadcasting station, being an identity of the statehood. Except for a brief period, three representatives were appointed Central ministers for a short period. Is there any representation today in the Central cabinet with our being a part of Congress State government? This is the treatment we deserve! We are quite content with it, fearing repercussions of any revolt. The revenue we contribute to the centre has no relation to what is doled out to the State in form of grants. Everything decision made by the party’s Goa unit has to be only after consultations with the Centre and its emissaries. The number of legislators who visits Delhi at the cost of the state funds make us believe that Goa is a like a child tied to the apron strings of the powers in the Capital. Independent decisions in the best interest of the state are hemmed in by central observers of the party and those who command greater position than the head of the State. This arrangement of so-called party discipline only helps to keep dissensions, open defiance and revolts within its rank and file in abeyance. When it becomes inevitable in terms of numbers to retain power, all misdemeanors are condoned, albeit with some warnings. The regional parties in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar UP, West Bengal are dictating terms, demanding fiercely, a major portion of the Central pie. They command more respect, attention and are taken seriously. The National parties in power try to swallow, destabilize the regional parties to exercise their writ and exert their supremacy. If Goan politics is to usher in changes, root out corruption, maladministration etc., then the option of going back to regional outfits is more promising, than the present experiments of being dictated into submission by the upper hand.
The monopoly of national party needs to be demolished once and for all. It may not be panacea for all evils that we face to day, but at least the control, initiative will be localised and we will have more say in our destiny. Political defections have made a mockery of our trust and democratic values. The voters do not count after casting their vote. What is the guarantee that the rag tag outfits formed on the eve of elections will not follow the lucrative path and we will be insulated against our avowed wishes?
