She is capable but can she handle the stress of politics? And, give Alina a couple of years and she will make a mark for herself! Who are the gentlemen who expressed these sentiments? The first is former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and presently Defense Minister of India. The second is the distinguished Goa University Prof Nandakumar Kamat. Goa’s genuinely reluctant politician is now becoming her own man, or is it her own woman? The choice of Mathany Saldhana for his lifetime partner!
The great activist and politician who stood on two honest and sincere legs, in a way has groomed his widow Alina for her new role: she is no longer a shadow warrior. She is the epitome of the new Goan woman – qualities which embody sincerity, intellect, culture and class. Male chauvinists be warned!
The BJP government is making inroads and changing the face of Indian and Goan society. Some, no doubt, are great and others not. While Goa has had one woman Chief Minister it was some time ago. Isn’t it time we voted again for a woman to lead us Goans from darkness to light? Goa’s own Joan of Arc?
It is time for the BJP to take the call. Goa’s former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and Prof Nandakumar Kamat have cast their votes. How about you?
Joao Barros Pereira, Japan
