We are only four days away from our Assembly elections. But, we are still unsure of whom to vote for. Understandably, conscientious citizens, who wished to see, this time, a different Assembly and a Goa spared from the destructive hands of plunderers and criminals, are in dilemma, for the choice often is between two evils and the presence of a good candidate is inconsequential or even prejudicial, as it would only help the worst of the two demons.
Sadly, it is not the thinkers, the intelligentsia or the few of us scribbling in newspapers or WhatsApp groups who decide who should or not be elected. It is the masses, those who work at the grassroots who matter. We, Goans, have rarely shown penchant for real determined and tenacious fight for any cause, however worthy it might be. While they won, the injustice to them continues with harassment in Courts and Police. This is one way the fascists go about their work, repressing agitations and dissent. It is also the reason why our activism is subdued, less aggressive and participative. The pandemic too helped in agitations lacking participation and the punch needed. Pressing issues which, people have been fighting for, ought to be determining factors in any election.
Goa has no dearth of competent, honest and upright people to represent us, though very few agree to take the plunge. But, at the same time, Goa is never short of individuals who are so presumptuous and conceited that they feel they can trounce the most formidable opponents, but eventually land up losing deposits. There are, of course, a few who are really competent and worthy of our vote, but unfortunately not sufficiently popular or capable of snatching the seat. This sad reality needs to dawn upon them and they should withdraw from the contest, in the interest of defeating the greatest enemy and for the love of Goa. Some did it already and others could still do it now, unofficially though. Else, it should weigh heavily on their conscience that they helped bringing to power an unwanted Government.
None of the main parties showed guts in refusing tickets to tainted individuals and opted for them, as they perceive them as winnable. And, we need to bear the guilt of having made them so.
It is indeed extremely sad that once again, we may have to choose someone who is unworthy and even unreliable and hence vote against our own conscience, despite the presence of better and upright candidates. But can we risk voting for such honest persons, whose chances are bleak, and thus allow a detestable Party to win? Our conscience must also dictate to us that we ought to vote wisely avoiding the guilt of furthering the cause of Goa’s destruction and inviting the curses of our future generations. Let us leave traitors, to their fate if they dare betray, despite affidavits or vows taken in God’s name, as we can’t anticipate anyone’s future behaviour. It is no less sad to learn from some candidates themselves and their supporters that they are contesting to defeat a particular shady individual, though fully aware that this could result in a worse candidate being elected. And they make no secret in confessing that their purpose would be served, if that happens.
Fellow Goans, I am uncertain as to how many of us have realised how important this election is for us. If turning Goa into a coal corridor, with serious detrimental effects on our health, nationalisation of our rivers, affecting our fishermen’s livelihoods and our preferred diet, putting us at the mercy of Mormugao Port Authority, the destruction of our forests, wildlife sanctuaries, felling of lakhs of trees, cutting of hills, filling of fields, destroying our environment, eventually subjecting us to Nature’s fury, acquisition of land for Mopa and for unwarranted road widening to benefit coal industrialists and with serious pressure on our scarce land, corruption in oxygen supply leading to avoidable and painful deaths of our dear ones, unemployment forcing exodus, auctioning of jobs and bribery in recruitment, depriving poor deserving candidates, lathi charging and arresting peaceful demonstrators, Police stamping the chests of our women and much more, are not enough to reject outright and in fact decimate the Party in power, then perhaps we deserve no better.
Despite the anti incumbency wave pervading for long time, the rulers showed no signs of nervousness, banking on our proverbial disunity or some tricks they may have up their sleeve. Nearly 10 candidates on average in every constituency, mostly opposed to the ruling dictatorship, only put in doubt our love for Goa that we are not prepared to sacrifice our egos for a greater cause of our land and our people.
This time around, when unity was most needed, we find candidates whose chances are unfortunately dim and hence ought to withdraw from the fray. With your clean image, do not allow yourselves to be indirectly responsible for the continuation of Goa’s destruction. Your sacrifice for Goa’s greater good will not go unnoticed and in vain. Split of votes must be avoided, at any cost.
My dear Goans, exercise your vote judiciously. Let February 14 be a day Goa will remember and not a day e will regret for a lifetime.
(The author is a retired banker)
