In the first Assembly elections in 1963 the Indian National Congress suffered a very humiliating defeat in Goa. It was mostly an anti-incumbency vote, especially against the bureaucrats then deputed to Goa, known as “deputationists”, some of whom treated docile and well mannered Goans, as conquered people. It was no small irony that the Congress contestants were mostly “freedom fighters”, who fared miserably even losing their deposits. And Goans did not hesitate to humiliate Nehru’s Party even while he was alive. The defeats continued for some time. Eventually, the Congress came to power on the crutches of United Goans Party, well after a decade.
Later, there was no looking back. People consistently voted for Congress and it came to power several times, though the infighting and the struggle for CM’s chair, made the Government unstable and unable to function effectively. Upbeat with consecutive victories, the Congress took voters for granted, with corruption playing a big role and extremely poor performance. In 2012, it got what it deserved, a crushing defeat. In 2017, the voters reversed the fortunes of the two major parties and while inflicting a near similar defeat to the BJP, gave the Congress almost double the number of seats they had secured in 2012. Yet, with support from the Centre, BJP managed to grab power in Goa. The rest is history, consequences of which we are facing today, with the Government working on the dictates of the PM or his capitalist friends, clearly against Goans’ interests.
While elections may not be declared ante time, because BJP knows what its fate will be, it is also true hat we are totally unprepared for elections. Goans are surely looking for a saviour for Goa. While the hatred towards the BJP is evident, the anger against the Congress hasn’t died down yet and it was witnessed recently at Chandor. The lady Sarpanch of one village need not have humiliated the Congress so vociferously and publicly. Political parties ought to have been cautioned in advance against displaying their banners. Belittling anyone will not help a cause, which needs everyone.The Congress, however, must realise that people haven’t forgiven them for being responsible for most problems Goa faces today and even for the BJP rule in Goa.
There is surely a prevalent anti-BJP wave. Too late, perhaps, for a new regional Party. AAP has had its share of problems. If the results of 2017 are any indication, people may still consider Congress as an option, provided it mends its ways, which many like me are skeptic about, due to past experiences. If it wants to be counted, revamping the entire Party is a must with a complete rejection of all the traitors, without exception, no matter how popular they are. It will send clear signal to all. Another gaffe of the Congress was the appointment of AICC member, Gundu Rao, as in charge of Goa. His participation in a dharna, against Goa, on Madhei has not gone unnoticed. He must be replaced or else this issue will be exploited.
The last few elections ought to have taught the Congress some lessons but these will be learnt only if national interests outweigh the personal ones.
