It is really amazing how fiercely the political parties, whilst in the Opposition, attack the Government on certain issues, but when their turn comes to rule and prove their abilities in tackling the very same problems, they fail miserably and eventually toe the very same line of their predecessors. This was very much evident when Parrikar came to power in 2012 and now, more recently when Narendra Modi took charge at the Centre.
It was but natural for the BJP to capitalize on the blunders committed by the UPA, but they did it with such expertise that one needs to extol their organizational abilities. The way they projected themselves as the only possible saviour of the country, and the manner in which they carried out their campaign particularly through the electronic media – which until today gives wide, if not live coverage, of every step Modi takes abroad – cannot but be admired, irrespective of our views about the Party.
Modi now seems to be on a popularity hunt, hoping perhaps that the world will eventually acknowledge him as a leader of the stature of Gandhi or Nehru. Far from there being anything wrong in such moves, our endeavours should always be to maintain good relations with all the countries, particularly our neighbours. But, earlier, any friendly approach by the UPA regime to China and particularly Pakistan, would regularly meet with stringent criticism by BJP. Our MP Shripad Naik even felt that Modi might use nuclear weapons against Pakistan and a BJP MP directed Modi baiters to leave India and go to Pakistan. Yet Modi invited Nawaz Sharif for his installation, something that would have been ridiculed by him had the Congress done the same.
About the BJP’s promise to bring back black money stashed abroad within 100 days and its faux pas in choosing to disclose only six names until it was forced by the Supreme Court to reveal all, the less spoken the better. When the Congress used the same arguments that the BJP did for not disclosing names, the former were accused of shielding the culprits. The BJP is now wooing Kashmiris by trying an alliance with separatist Lone who in 2009, while contesting elections, had said that it “pained” him to swear allegiance to the Constitution of India. It would have been blasphemy for the BJP if Congress had attempted any such alliance. Let us not forget that BJP, in its manifesto had called for the abrogation of Art. 370 on Kashmir, on which it is now going soft. After having accepted outside support from what they themselves called the “Naturally Corrupt Party” (NCP) in Maharashtra, the alliance with Lone will be another shameful adventure of the BJP. Indeed, “a party with a difference”.
In all sincerity I must say that my love for Goa and my pride of being a Goan always swells when any Goan rises to a high position. It couldn’t have been different in case of Manohar Parrikar. I have always admired Parrikar for his many talents and abilities. My writings soon after he took over as CM will vouch for this. Those thereafter, though highly critical, had often a tinge of regret that his skills and intelligence were not being used this time for the benefit of his land. I surely join his supporters in wishing him well in his new assignment but certainly not in praising his achievements, during his 34 month stint as Goa’s CM,
According to Press reports, Parrikar was selected as Defence Minister because of his qualities as administrator and for his integrity and transparency. Though some of these he did display during his earlier tenure, were any of them in sight during his last rule in Goa? Were his “transparency and integrity” seen when he allowed casinos to continue in Mandovi, despite his earlier strong opposition to their presence, and permitted another massive casino ten times bigger than the one replaced, without payment of any additional fees or when he refused to renotify land under survey No 8/1, at Dabolim, with the added aim of choking Dabolim airport or when he showed his closeness to mine owners, accused of looting the exchequer? Was there any transparency in his actions on Mopa airport, where land was acquired and RFQ issued without the mandatory EIA? Was it fair on the part of Parrikar to acquire land from poor farmers in Mopa just a month before the new Land Acquisition Act which would have given them a much higher compensation?
We are still without a Lokayukta and a Information Commissioner. Garbage and plastics remain unsolved problems. His insincerity on Special Status, Regional Plan was put to test on many occasions. The list would be unending.
If at all Parrikar needs to be remembered, it is for his U-turns, false promises and lacklustre performance, when with his abilities, he could have turned Goa into an ideal State. He only boasted of having achieved much, despite the financial crunch, when all we see is a bridge at Calvim, decrease in petrol prices, a few doles – some unnecessary, like the Ladli Laxmi Scheme also for the rich, etc. Creation of jobs would have been a better option. This time around, Parrikar looked a confused man, with no direction or vision. His exit might have been a blessing in disguise for him and a face saving device.
Parrikar now conveniently forgets that though the Navy is illegally occupying Dabolim, at least some people are no longer demanding their withdrawal but only release of some land, which they occupy in lakhs of sq. mtrs for fun, play, residences, etc. These could be easily shifted elsewhere.
Goa has been too generous both with Navy and Army, even in Parrikar’s own ex-constituency of Panjim. In proportion to our size, perhaps in no other State do the Armed Forces occupy so much of land. Parrikar can easily direct them to reciprocate Goa’s gesture by releasing some land. But it must be done with sincerity and not just to deceive Goans that Dabolim will thus be retained. Only if Mopa is dropped altogether can Goans believe Parrikar. Though not in Parrikar’s domain, development of Pernem must be a simultaneous priority with industries that will employ only locals. Surely it is not much that Goa is asking of the Defence Minister. It is a true challenge that he must accept and will put to test his proclaimed love for Goa.
(The author is a retired banker)
