Ever since its liberation Goa politics has gone through many twists and turns. Goa has the history of the first chief minister being from a regional party (MGP). A situation which many States in India struggled long years to achieve, be it the DMK in Tamil Nadu or the Telugu Desam in Andhra Pradesh or the Assam Gana Parishad in Assam. Most of these regional parties had to go through an arduous struggle establishing themselves as a contender for the Chair of Governance of the State.
Goa’s journey as part of the Indian Union began as a Union territory. in 1963, MGP captured power, till 1979 and then the baton of administration was taken over by the Indian National Congress, during which time Goa obtained Statehood as well. Then there was a brief inter regnum by the newly formed PDP, for a year or so and then the baton was handed over to Indian National Congress and then BJP took over in 2001 till 2005 followed by Congress till 2012 from 2012 BJP has been in power and continues so till date. The only difference one could say was that what destruction the Congress did in a matter of two decades BJP could achieve much more destruction much faster in a matter of few years. This musical chair game between Congress and BJP has effectively eliminated any local party challenge, as such leaders who came up on any such platform would quickly join one of these parties. Shifting allegiance and changing parties has been an unique feature of Goan politicians in their quest for power.
If one observes this process of power capturing in Goa, one can conclude that the politicians of Goa, while in their race for power have changed parties, set up outfits and left them, when it’s no more convenient, etc. This kind of uncontrolled and at times unethical quest for power has unfortunately been a disaster for Goa, especially the common people, whose role in the political system was limited to casting their votes often hoping some change towards bettering their lives would happen but the fact is such betterment never happened. There are of course, new outfits that are showing up with promises of saving Goa and providing Goa some hope for the future, agitating rather aggressively, on local issues and espousing the evils of the present and past governments. There seems to be a new energy and enthusiasm from the vocal intensities of their protests. Of course Goa needs such awakening , be it the environment or tourism or the employment scenario or the public utility services, like electricity, water or the public roads corruption and inefficiency is writ large on all those areas thus affecting the common citizens.
The demographic imbalances created by the influx of migrant populations on one side and the other side those unrestricted and unwanted constructions of flats, complexes and villas which are being devoured by the rich and politically connected from the north of India is also a matter of grave concern and threat to the cultural melee and religious tranquility in the State.
The greater concern is the indifference with which the political dispensation is carrying on those activities in the name of development which ultimately seems to benefit only themselves and their political and business connections, is but evident. In the way they are dealing with various issues which are likely to cause irreparable harm and irreversible damage to the State’s environment and the ecosystem.
The blame game is on in full steam with many leaders claiming and willing to take over the reign of governance. But none of these activist outfits are willing to join hands to fight or espouse these common causes which are going to be the undoing of their activisms. Their unwillingness to unite together will be a boon to the two National parties which have alternatively destroyed Goa all these years and even now claiming to save Goa.
The problem is despite their proclaimed objective being noble, they all suffer from the same selfish interest as the present seasoned politicians of Goa. Whatever happens they don’t want to surrender their predominance and a plausible chance to become the chief minister of Goa. Some of them are even using the Hitler’s method of building up their public image especially through social media either by themselves or through their stooges. With one or two (self) proclaimed leadership styles how they are going to capture 40 seats or even ten seats or even five seats in the coming assembly elections? This needs to be seen.
The simple logical guess is that the two seasoned political parties i.e. BJP and the INC will take advantage of their naivety and share the spoils of the next round of elections. The only effect would be that at some constituencies the votes will get divided and there may be some surprise winners. The few who might win will be too willing to join the side forming the government, irrespective of their ideologies and opposition. After all the attractions of money and power is so strong, other influences and considerations will fade away.
Of course there will be very valid excuses like “Did it for the good of Goa’ or “Supporters wanted it” or “only in power I can bring reformation” etc. We have heard it all the time and everyone knows that these are standard lies to hide the pull of power and money. Of course irrespective of who all come to power at the next Goa assembly election the matter of grave concern is finding alternative to the present destructive system of governance.
This is the political crisis of Goa, inability of any of the political outfits or their leaders to provide a blue print of Goa’s Governance towards a recovery or rejuvenation of the State.
It would have been much better if 40 independent persons who have done work in their respective constituencies contest elections in their respective constituencies and come together if they are elected and then form a government with some defined minimum programme, rather than all these hypes, and mudslinging and nurturing of hatred towards others.
(The writer is a Professor of Law & educational consultant)
