The recent remark of Laxmikant Parsekar, Chief Minister of Goa on his cabinet colleague, Alina Saldanha to “shut up” on the marina issue has generated much heat. The question that arises here is; are the words ‘shut up’ unparliamentarily or do they simply mean stop talking.
Usually, the remark ‘shut up’ is taken as a rebuke or insult particularly if the tone and pitch in which it is said are improper. We have an expression in Konkani “avoicho ghov” which simply means mother’s husband but its utterance is sure to cause offence, even invite retaliation for the same reasons.
Politicians, of late, have become arrogant and also make nonsensical statements. And Goan politicians in power are no exception. They should at least show some politeness and exercise restraint when talking to ladies. In the instant case, the Chief Minister should either clarify the matter or apologize to his cabinet colleague.
Rodney de Souza, Assagao
