The postponed Zilla Panchayat polls have a new date, nine months after they had been originally scheduled to be held. A lot has changed since then, not just the passage of time, but it is a completely different situation that Goa is facing. Interestingly, though there is no public campaign that is being allowed before voting day, there are new issues that have cropped up that could play a decisive role in the manner in which the people of rural Goa vote on December 12.
When the polls were announced early this year, the nominations filed and the campaign undertaken, the three linear projects of double tracking of the South Western Railway line, expansion of National Highway and the Tamnar power project that would lead to clearing a huge forest area were not issues being discussed. The transportation of coal as an issue did exist, but it didn’t occupy so much space in the minds of the people as it does now. Candidates who based their campaign on entirely different issues, and are now knocking on the doors of the people again, are facing questions from the electorate as to their stance on these projects.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Curiously, these issues give the Zilla Panchayat polls, that otherwise are a drab affair, an interesting edge as they could be a barometre as to where rural Goa – especially the villages affected by the projects – stand on the three projects. While those who are opposed to the projects have been very vocal, those supporting have not raised their voice much, blurring the lines differentiating those who are for the project and those who are opposed to it. Voters have a week to decide who to vote for, candidates have far less time to make up their minds on the new issues.
In the changed circumstances, it is the duty of the elector to ask the candidates where they stand on the projects and get answers from them, as these projects weren’t discussed during the campaign. The three projects have the capability of, in the coming years, giving a new look to the pristine Goa that we know today. It is, therefore, in the hands of the voters of the Zilla Panchayat to change the narrative of the polls by making the candidates accountable to this, but only if they care to do so. How many of the voters would be willing to ask the questions?
Nine months ago, when Goa was preparing for the Zilla Panchayat polls, the general public, many rural voters included, almost disregarded the process as the past Zilla Panchayats have played a very limited role in the development of the State or changing the course of development. The candidates are usually merely selected acolytes of the MLA of the constituency and once elected serve only the master. Can all this change with this election? With Goa now under the threat of coal dust pollution, will the new Zilla Panchayats stand up to their political masters and decide on what is best for Goa?
The changed circumstances should force the candidates to look at beyond their constituencies and at the bigger picture of a sustainable future for Goa. Development is a must, but it should never be unwaranted or come at the cost of the forests and the environment. The Zilla Panchayats have always been relegated by the government as a political institution that is there out of a legal necessity, rather than to help in governance. But, now that can change with the bodies playing a larger role in safeguarding Goa for tomorrow. That, however, depends on the vision that the men and women who will be elected have for Goa. The people will be watching.
