Disappointing comments
I am disappointed at the comment made by Dr Jorson of the TMC with regards to Capt. Viriato Fernandes joining the Congress.
I am no fan of any political party but Capt. Virato is a former defence officer in the Indian Navy who even served during the Kargil war. He is also very much involved against many of the anti-Goan projects wherein he made detailed study before speaking. I find him a sincere person who Goa needs in politics these days.
Dr Jorson should first look at himself as he has joined a party who has people about whom the less said is better and whose party has formed an alliance with the MGP who wanted to merge Goa with Maharashtra. Dr Jorson please look at yourself first before commenting on others.
Francis Fernandez, Margao
Anti-incumbency wave
Apropos to “Anti-incumbency wave forces some BJP leaders to switch loyalties, says Fadnavis” (Herald January 13, 2022).
Former BJP Minister Michael Lobo has dealt a severe blow to the saffron party in the days leading up to the Goa Assembly Elections 2022.
It is evident from the way leaders from Goa BJP are reacting and putting up the brave face before the media.
Be that as it may, Devendra Fadanavis has gone one step further. He claims that on account of anti-incumbency wave against some candidates they left Goa BJP as they were certain that they would neither get nor win this election on BJP ticket.
Does anti-incumbency wave use Artificial Intelligence? Can it tell the difference between the candidates and political parties? Can anti-incumbency wave determine that the wave is against a particular candidate and not against his or her party that he or she belongs to? Does anti-incumbency wave use a smart algorithm to arrive at certain conclusions?
Gafaar Shaqoor, Margao
Voting wisely: Not by chance but a choice
We are all aware of the Universal Adult Franchise we are entitled to as adults i.e. the Right to Vote for all adults irrespective of race, color or religion. The minimum age is 18 years in India according to the Indian Constitution. Voting is an integral part of the formal democratic process. Hence, not voting is simply giving up your hard earned opportunity in selecting your leader.
Goa will witness its voting phase on the 14th day of February, as decided by the Election Commission. We as responsible adults and thoughtful citizens of the state ought to make time and cast our precious vote in the lately modernized ballot box, the EVMs. We are given this time to make a choice for a better tomorrow, with insightful experience of yesterday. The various parties pose several options which may get confusing with which to select. Although it’s a little button to press, it has the power to uplift or drift the unseen future. Thus, one must not be in haste, instead make a wise choice.
Remember to vote for someone who will preserve Goa’s heritage, culture; one who’ll treat everyone equally, support everyone on humanitarian grounds; whether rich or poor. It’s important to think twice before we give the key of governance to un-experienced, illiterate leaders. This key should be given to those who are learned and possess true leadership qualities. This is our time to choose, for the future generation and on behalf of the younger generation, a better future.
Let the outcome of this election show us the might of just one finger. As that finger will be responsible, for handing over the key, to unlock tomorrow’s governance.
Aliston Faleiro, by email
Conserve Panjim’s heritage structures
It is indeed sad to note that iconic structures in the state capital city Panjim are being demolished under the Smart City project. It is learnt that several heritage buildings in the city could face the axe.
A heritage structure in the old PWD complex consisting of two pre-liberation buildings is reportedly being taken apart. Heritage lovers and historians have strongly objected to the decision to demolish these buildings which have historical significance.The government needs to take the views of the heritage lovers, historians, architects, conservationists and senior citizens into consideration when it comes to demolishing iconic structures in the capital city.
These heritage buildings need to be conserved for future generations as they are rich in history. These historic buildings need to be restored and refurbished as they are in need of maintenance. Modernization of the city is necessary. However a balance needs to be struck between modernity and conserving heritage buildings.
The Smart City project need not come up at the expense of the heritage buildings which need to be conserved for posterity. If these heritage structures are demolished then part of history will be buried along with it. Some of the heritage structures which need to be conserved include the Lyceum, the Old Goa Institute of Management building, Adil Shah Palace and the High Court at Altinho, the building housing the National Theatre and the Praca de Comercio which is known for its architectural beauty.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Undertaking for frog jumps
It is very difficult for a single party to get more than 21 seats in this Goa Assembly Elections of 2022. There is every possibility of frog jumps/splits to join other winning party, thereby making mockery of the voters.
The so called Affidavit proposed by one party that MLA will not defect to other party, may not be a viable solution in view of long court procedures, as seen in the past. What is needed is a “Post dated undertaking, that the MLA is resigning from the existing party and seeking re-election in his constituency, to join other party”… If at all there is a hung assembly there will be enough time to consult the party workers, in order to give external support to the party forming the government. Maybe somebody could throw light on this move.
John D’Souza, Cortalim
Stinging rebuke by High Court
The High Court of Bombay at Goa delivered a stinging rebuke to the state government for it’s reluctance to file an affidavit regarding compliance with the 2014 Supreme Court judgement against those engaged in illegal mining; the matter related to illegal transfer of mining leases in Goa in violation of Section 37 of the Mining Concession Rules.
The exasperated judges went so far as to remind the state that there is a rule of law in the country and matters cannot be allowed to drift like this; it also opined whether the SC is required to remotely run the affairs of Goa from Delhi.
The state government has criminally delayed the due process of law and has been complicit in the whole issue. Despite the Shah Commission identifying 53 violators, the Sarkar has found only 6 parties who flouted the rules and that too after 7 years; also no stringent recovery proceedings have been initiated against the guilty.
It is quite evident that the ruling dispensation does not want to ruffle the feathers of the powerful mining lobby because as quid pro quo the latter shall bankroll the party’s election campaign. With polls on the horizon it is extremely unlikely that the HC judgement would be actioned by the executive anytime soon.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
