Stronger anti-defection law needed
In an expected turn of events, the voters in Goa witnessed another bout of defection as the eight Congress legislators moved to the BJP. It was a rude shock for the voters in those constituencies and the general public. As stated one of the legislators who led the defections, said he and the rest of the MLAs had taken permission from God before joining the BJP and God agreed. I wonder which God spoke only to these defectors without speaking to the voters. Deceiving voters in the name of God and development has become a normal way of life among many Goan politicians. It has become a trend among politicians to take voters for granted. Somehow voters also need to be held responsible for encouraging such defections as there was a large gathering of people welcoming and cheering these defectors. The voters have given wrong message to the general public that defection is accepted. During these years, people have witnessed several defections in different States of the country. In such a scenario, there is a dire need of stronger anti-defection laws in the country.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Rui Pereira, Navelim
Betrayal of our votes
Before the assembly elections, huge banners are put across each lamp post, and huge hoardings are put up by the Election Commissioner’s office informing us that it is the right and duty of every citizen to come out and vote in huge numbers. They even go to higher secondary schools and colleges not only to enrol first-time voters to create awareness on their voting right. When we vote, we vote for the party and not for the individuals. It is the party that chooses the individuals no matter how corrupt. So now where have our so called RIGHTS gone.
Why did the Congress make them sign affidavits knowing that these documents have no value in the court of law? But please correct me if I am wrong. Whenever I fill up a form, and before signing I read a paragraph that says that in case of wrong information I am liable to be disqualified from the position I have applied for and punishment as per law. This goes for the same thing if I have applied for an EPIC, driving licence, Aadhaar Card, medical health insurance, etc. So why these laws are not applicable to any individual who signs an affidavit irrespective of the party they come from for lying? If the argument is that it is an internal matter of the party, it can’t be so as he becomes a public figure after he is elected and is answerable to the people. After all the panchayat or local bodies should know that he is answerable to all the voters. The party should also be taken to task for lying to us and have them disqualified.
We all know that a lot of pressure was put on some MLAs to join the BJP for the corruption admitted by them. Others left for money. These are greedy and selfish people having no conscience.
Ivor Pereira, by email
A new low for Goan politics
Goan politics has hit a new low. Within a few months of the elections to the State Assembly, eight Congress legislators switched over to the BJP betraying the voters who elected them. The people know the motive behind this switchover and have not swallowed the laughable statements made by some. This is the second time that a group of MLAs have crossed over from one party to another.
What is very disturbing is that the elected legislators jump from one party to another with impunity. Before elections the citizens are reminded of their voting right and that their vote is sacred. Events have proved how insignificant our vote is.
The present anti-defection law is a failure. Only that law which requires a candidate to serve the full term with the party that he has been elected from, legislators will continue to take voters for a ride and make a joke of democracy.
Rodney de Souza, Assagao
Save Goa from destruction
We, the voters of Goa, need to hang our heads in shame as we still rally around our jumping politicians for our selfish gains, making the entire democratic electoral process a farce. A politician rightly said they will rule for the next 50 years and there will be no more elections in the country as power and greed is the need of politicians. Gone are the days, when politicians worked selflessly for the betterment of the country. Today’s politicians have lost all morals, ethics and fear of God. Now it’s all about hoarding money for their future generations. How much money does one need? Sad, the pandemic too has not opened our eyes. Despite having the numbers, if the ruling party still needed to poach MLAs, it’s for the simple reason to pass all their projects towards the destruction of Goa. Lord, forgive them and save our beloved Goa from destruction.
Vincy Gracias, Canacona
Is Goa really on a development path?
What is happening to our small Goa? In the name of redevelopment and tourism, is really Goa getting developed or is the state turning into a centre of drugs? Is the State a centre of noise pollution? When some social workers protest they are falsely charged and our ministers always falsely blame the Portuguese for looting Goa to divert people’s attention.
The present scenario clearly shows where our beautiful and peaceful Goa is heading to and the future of our Goan youth is in danger.
Is this democracy? When people protest against something instead of listening to their pleas, charges pressed against them.
Our freedom fighters sacrificed their lives to give us freedom. Is this the real democracy?
Anita Fernandes, Verna
A glowing tribute
It is a fitting honour and a glowing tribute to rename the Kibithu military camp on the banks of Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit Valley along the Lion of Actual Control (LAC) after India’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, known as ‘General Bipin Rawat military garrison.’ In his capacity as a young Colonel, Bipin Rawat, who died in a helicopter crash last December near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu, had commanded his Battalion at Kibithu and made significant contributions towards strengthening the security framework of the region. His vision and prospicience were instrumental in implementing the infrastructural development and social growth in the area which immensely benefited the local populace.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
The Queen’s motherly concern
I express my profound regret over the sad demise of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest serving monarch who never permitted the artificial pride to engulf her.
Queen Elizabeth II, a mighty personality and one of the richest persons on this planet, having been acknowledged as the most humble person on this planet, would never shy to comfort even the needy.
I recall one incident when British footballer Gary Lineker was playing for Totenham Hotspurs in the FA Cup final at Wembley and Queen Elizabeth was the chief guest for that event. As per protocol the Queen was escorted to the football ground to be introduced to the participating teams. When she met Lineker, she held his hand and stood for a few moments. It was reported that with all her motherly concern for Linekar’s young son who was suffering from Leukemia, she had enquired about his son’s health. What a magnificent gesture of her Majesty. Would our minister display such humility? I doubt.
A Veronica Fernandes, Candolim
