Manohar Parrikar had promised to give us pothole free roads in 2002 when he came to power to form the first BJP govt. in Goa. His challenge was should anyone bring to his notice a pothole anywhere, he would pay Rs.1000. Sadly, his tenure ended prematurely due to political wrangling and the promise remained only a promise not to be fullfilled.
In 2012 when he came to power again, he promised to give us Goans our dream. This dream is still an illusion should one take a look to what’s happening in the State. If the BJP comes to power at the centre, it will be easy to pursue special status for Goa is what he had said during the unprecedented Lok Sabha campaign that swept the nation with the Modi wave. Much to his embarrassment, the request was rejected by the Centre. Yet again he reiterates his earlier promise to make Goa garbage free by December 19, 2015 with the beach cleaning stunt, refer Beach boy ! Herald 16/09/2014.
It appears that garbage free Goa is just another fad among the many whirlwind promises that make an empty show of the parivarthan govt. to keep Goans in good stead. Manoharbab, hem soglem tum uloitai tem kitem? (what’s all that you are talking about). The astute Chief Minster is admired for his master strokes on many issues silencing the voice of the Opposition in the august House. All the same, the half way mark of the BJP rule in Goa hasn’t been too impressive leaving the Goans disgruntled.
Ayres Sequeira, Salvador do Mundo
