Though in the interrogative, this title could hurt the sensibilities of many self-respecting Goans. But, surely, I am not generalising, for Goa does have a large number of people who are not only upright but even try to combat the evil, though without much success. But we need to swallow some bitter truths about ourselves, which will help us improve the fame which we have unfortunately acquired, particularly because of the undignified behaviour of our elected representatives. In many aspects, we are perhaps still a cut above many, but we also need to introspect, how low we have descended.
In the past, people in Goa, whether they had anything or not, were happy and above all, honest and that is what we, Goans, would boast about. Thefts, robberies and murders were almost unheard of. I recall some our East Africa returned friends proudly narrating how they would be treated preferentially by their superiors, because of their hard work and honesty. I, too, must acknowledge that wherever I went outside Goa, I was treated with special deference for being a Goan.
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Goa and Goans changed drastically after the events of December 1961. I dwelt on this a couple of times, but the way some people were eager to demonstrate their obeisance to the new rulers, despite their closeness to the earlier ones, was perhaps the precursor of things to come. Goa did make rapid progress in many fields like, education, infrastructure, health, communications, transport, etc, but it regressed too in many ways, especially in morals, values, integrity and character. Goa’s emotional integration was complete when our MLAs learnt from their counterparts in India the tricks of horse-trading or what came to be known as the politics of Aaya Ram Gaya Ram. One Gaya Lal had won, in 1967, as independent MLA from Haryana. He promptly joined the Congress in the afternoon, shifted to United Front and within 9 hours was back in Congress. Even before he could change his clothes, he had changed parties thrice. His leader, referred to his departure and quick return as “Gaya Ram, Aaya Ram” Goa had splits in political parties, as a Union Territory. But from 1987 onwards, it was plagued with constant defections, which created such instability that governance was a great casualty. Goa became notorious for its characterless elected representatives, who shifted loyalties at the drop of the hat, both for monetary or position benefits. The State had 19 Chief Ministers in 20 years. Digambar Kamat was the first State CM to complete his full term from 2007 to 2012. The extent of shameful and abominable defections, motivated by lure of big money, which, for obvious reasons, escape the attention of tax sleuths, have even enabled a reversal of people’s mandate and exposed the depths and rottenness of the political corruption in Goa.
Goa was adjudged as one of the most corrupt among small States in 2008. But corruption had taken roots in our administration much earlier and continues till date in greater measure. Though surveys may have been kinder to Goa now, it could be only in comparison with other States, which have gone far worse.
Due to cumbersome and lengthy procedures in obtaining documents and permissions, deliberately made so to promote bribery, people opt for shortcuts by greasing the palms of those who can facilitate or expedite the process. There is nothing that money cannot do in India. Conversion of any type of zones into settlement, cutting of hills, filling of low lying areas or even water bodies, illegal constructions, and whatever thought of being impossible, is made possible by a bundle of notes. Even several activists, whistle blowers and upright bureaucrats have paid their integrity with their lives.
Greed has not only overtaken politicians but us too. We prostrate before politicians often to help us commit illegalities. We do not mind sharing the spoils, as we too gain. The politician is keen in the deal not alone because of the gains but also because he may lose his popularity, for if he doesn’t oblige, another will. No one can be a popular politician unless he promotes and patronises illegalities. This is what late Matanhy Saldanha would frown about. Surely, if politicians had to bluntly refuse to help or support illegalities, this country and State would have been different and there would be much less to fight for.
The favours received from politicians have left us not only permanently indebted but also ensured closeness to them that no matter how corrupt and detestable they are, we feel obliged to vote for them. And, unfortunately, they are the very ones who are undesirable and unfit to be our representatives. Their greed for money, untrustworthiness, lack of concern for Goans, Goa and its environment should have made us shun them. Though they are the ones responsible for the mess we are in and for many of us to be regularly on the roads to salvage what is left, we repeatedly vote for them. This reflects our own character and unfortunately confirms the title of this article. Sometimes, we could have voted for them for want of better candidates. But, we have thus been complicit in the destruction of Goa. We must drop our attitude of “Amchim kamam zaunk zai” and put Goa before us and our personal interests. Let us reject them outright, no matter how ingratiated we are. Hopefully, we will have better candidates in 2022. Let our Assembly, for a change, have cleaner more knowledgeable and upright members, truly worthy of being called our representatives and who will honour Goa and Goans by their presence, honesty, performance and acumen.
(The author is a retired banker)
