Despite the trust deficit of the minorities in the BJP — particularly because even the Prime Minister is a silent spectator to a number of incidents, decisions and hate speeches by BJP and other Sangh Parivar leaders — and a Muslim population of 34.2% in Assam, the BJP dislodged the Congress, with a massive win. It has therefore good reasons to be jubilant. This is akin to Goa, where in 2012, also in a decisive anti-incumbency vote, many Catholics are believed to have voted for the BJP. So, whether at the Centre, Assam, Goa and elsewhere, it is the Congress which is responsible for bringing the BJP to power by its misrule, wrongdoings and corruption. Though the Congress may realise it, it does not appear least remorseful.
Goa is now rightly getting again into the election mood. Last time, Goans inflicted a crushing and well deserving defeat on the Congress, as it proved unworthy of another mandate. They were constrained to support the BJP in absence of a viable alternative but more out of trust in Manohar Parrikar as an efficient administrator, hopeful that he would change his ways. Ironically, it was he himself who eventually proved to be the most unreliable and untrustworthy of the Chief Ministers we have had.
It may be unfair not to credit the BJP with any development in Goa, though some of it might have been planned and approved by the earlier Government. But the way this Government is going about some projects, throwing all caution to the winds and riding roughshod over the wishes and concerns of the affected people, it has made the Party extremely unpopular. People have realised that the Congress was more democratic and accessible, unlike the BJP. This, along with several false promises, U-turns and other anti-people decisions and attitudes like on casinos, mining, Regional Plan, fishermen’s issues, etc. stand today in the way of the BJP getting another mandate. The BJP knows it too well; yet, it appears confident of coming back to power. This confidence stems from the certainty that it can easily divide the anti-BJP vote, for there is no dearth of “leaders”, particularly in Salcete, who are waiting for some crumbs from the ruling party to contest elections and divide the vote. Apart from this, Manohar Parrikar has mastered the art of keeping swords hanging over the heads of his and his party’s political rivals. Issues like Louis Berger’s or Taleigao rape will help keep people like Digambar, Churchill and Monserrate under check. Surely dossiers are ready of politicians who dare open their mouths or are potential threat to the ruling party.
The unity of secular forces has saved the country from a BJP led catastrophe. Though much desirable, there is no hope of it happening in Goa. The “grand old party” must drop “grand” and retain “old” for it is so both as far as party’s and most leaders’ ages are concerned. But that aspect might have been ignored had the Congress behaved as a responsible party and been true to the confidence that the electorate had reposed in them for decades. It will take many more years for the people to forgive them and forget their misrule and corruption.
Unlike in 2012, Goa has fortunately an alternative today – the Aam Admi Party. I must confess that my strong support but limited association with the party in Goa turned tepid after the unceremonious exit of Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav, for they along with Arvind Kejriwal, were, for me, the charismatic and credible faces of the party. But after having watched the performance of AAP in Delhi, I am inclined to think that it is the only viable choice in Goa. It has already made inroads in Goa — acknowledged even by the CM — and its sincere and dedicated workers are going about selflessly campaigning for the party. Hopefully, they will concentrate their efforts in North Goa, where they are more needed, and not restrict them only to South, where people can more easily be swayed in their favour. The Party will have to make its stand clear on issues like mining, casinos, Mopa and many others. With many controversial issues surfacing, it may not be easy for the party to take a firm stand on them, but it is essential that they do it, having in mind the interests of Goans in general and particularly at what can harm our State, our environment, ecology and our people. It will surely not be easy for AAP to put up credible, well known and competent candidates in Goa, as these are generally unwilling to contest. But it must ensure that in their eagerness to contest most seats, not a single candidate is put up, whose integrity or credibility is in doubt. This will damage the party’s credentials. It would also be wise to avoid constituencies where division of votes may ensure the victory of undesirable candidates. Tomorrow’s Kejriwal’s meeting in Campal, Panjim will surely be a big boost for the party’s fortunes at the forthcoming elections. AAP is today a name to reckon with – the choice of the people who eagerly want to see this country rid of corruption and communalism, which have battered India enough for decades. It must, however, come up to people’s expectations and aspirations.
(The author is a retired banker)
