Rohan A Khaunte
Success of Democracy lies not in a strong government but in an equally strong and responsive Opposition. Constructive challenges put forth by the Opposition help maintain the balance of a democratic government. Every Government wishes for total control and only a strong Opposition can counter the autocratic aspirations of any government.
The presence of a vigilant Opposition keeps a check on nepotism and corruption in Governments.
Until the last Assembly session, the Goan political scenario was plagued by a divided Opposition. The most outstanding aspect of last Assembly session was the united stand of the Opposition to Dr Pramod Sawant’s Government. This beginning of coordination between the various opposition factions gives hope for the State of Goa where the decisions on sensitive matters of public welfare and environment are being arbitrarily taken ignoring people’s protests.
Rampant infrastructural development doesn’t necessarily mean good governance or development. In fact such sort of one sided development methodology that encroaches on land, livelihood and environment of the population is a challenge to the democratic rights of the people. We as human beings are also responsible for other life species that cohabit this planet with us. When the basic right to living, be it of humans or other life forms around us is challenged, it’s natural for people to protest but this Government has decided to ignore people’s protests and that’s where the need of a strong united Opposition is felt the most. Protesting as separate factions only weakens the efforts and yields no results. It’s only when every faction of the opposition that represents different protest issues come united that the Government will feel challenged and eventually acknowledge the people’s power!
Although a glimmer of hope is seen in the Assembly, the Opposition has much more to coordinate because despite being vehemently countered, CM Pramod Sawant’s Government still managed to go ahead with the absolutely un-democratic Lokayukta Amendments and the 3 Linear Projects along with other bills.
It’s an indicator that the Oppn needs to huddle together and pool forces and resources to counter the growing autocratic dispensation of this Government which left unchallenged will destroy the very fabric of Democracy. Every like-minded Goan should join forces to oust this anti-people government and it is at such a time that people look forward to the strengths of a united Opposition to fight against the atrocities of this Government.
The current Assembly/Budget Session is the right time for all Opposition to come united setting aside all differences and uphold Democracy in Goa by taking a unified stand for the people’s cause. This unity will be a strong counter to the government sponsored election campaign launched by the ruling BJP. If the Opposition leaders fail to read the pulse of the people and take a united stand now, then there will be no Opposition worth mentioning nor any Democracy left in Goa.
