In all democracies there will always be a Ruling Party that has come to power by securing at least a simple majority or sometimes with the support of another political party or Independent MLAs. All other MLAs including those who have won as Independents that are not part of the government constitute a separate block, denominated as Opposition.
The Ruling Dispensation and the Opposition are together essential to proper and democratic functioning of administration. While the Opposition may not have any administrative powers, it certainly has power to function as an effective “watch dog” and monitor the manner in which the governance takes place. Normally it has to support all the measures that the government proposes and implements for the welfare, progress and development of the State without any discrimination. At the same time it has the political and moral duty to oppose any plans or schemes detrimental to the interest of the citizens and the environment.
Unfortunately, this democratic mode of functioning of the government as well the opposition has taken a different turn.
Firstly, the party in power tries to neutralise the role of the Opposition by manipulating and weakening by offering inducements as well as using undemocratic methods, so that the government can move ahead with its plans without resistance.
Very often government adopts a strategy of depriving the Opposition constituencies of meaningful developmental projects. Some opposition MLAs of the constituencies strike deals with the party in power to defect if ‘favourable offers’ in cash or positions are offered. In the name of development, overnight such greedy MLAs fall prey to the Ruling Party’s machinations and defect and support the government. Once the opposition is fragmented its members are no longer in position to raise their voices against the administration and thus the government has free reins.
The bogey that development of a constituency is impossible without supporting/joining the government has caught up in Goa too.
The problem lies with the political parties for giving tickets to unfit candidates who lack the ability to serve the people with innovative ideas and strategies to confront the administration whenever they notice irregularities are committed against their voters. The mindset of voters that make them believe that if their MLAs are in Opposition, they are doomed in terms of development and employment opportunities, needs to be changed. It becomes necessary for the MLAs to convince the voters that they have not become “dead wood yet” but continue to be active and ready to meet the challenges ‘head-on’.
Goans are witnessing a new phenomenon, as some Opposition MLAs have begun a campaign to remain vigilant and active in participating, overseeing and managing whatever developments are taking place in their areas and ensure that quality works devoid of any corruption are implemented and executed.
