Elections in the State usually invite a mixed bag of response with locals tending to view them as opportunities to bring about the much-desired changes in governance. With people all but disapproving of the dominant ways of the old guard in various political parties that proliferate the State, the need to infuse young blood into mainstream politics in the State invariably finds voice in quinquennial reviews by the masses. But politicians, in general, will concur with the view that the rising feeling of disgust and anger amongst the masses are election-related emotions and have no bearing on the ground realities.
Attributing these impulsive outbursts to a perceived notion of inefficiency exhibited all through its tenure, the experienced ‘fraternity’ feels that the call for a ‘change’ is the people’s response to the governance of a listless government in the State. But haven’t these explosive reactions been the same with the people on the announcement of every election over the years immaterial of the dispensation in power? This would, however, imply that the populace has not been selective about its representatives and, going with the wave, has elected those to power who actually have no business whatsoever to be in the august house. The fact that they have been facetious about their choices cannot be held against the elected members and culminate in shows of ire and disapproval at the end of every term of the State assembly. But as a trend effectively used to fire up the latent anger in the members of the public, demands for a change are just words put in their mouths by the glib operators.
Let us clearly understand that every voter is mighty enough to usher in the winds of change. But politicians have always connived to convince people that without their effective leadership, all their efforts would come to nought. However, having dabbled in movements and campaigns aplenty against a number of social and political issues, people ought to have realised by now that it is not only difficult, but also impossible, to subdue the power of their collective strength. Yet, swayed by the slick talks of the wily politicians, the best of solidarities have come undone. More recently, the manner in which quite a few of the people’s movements have taken on a political overtone to serve the interests of a select group within have demonstrated the futilities of such campaigns which finally end up playing into the hands of the very establishment it is targeted against, with many of the leaders compromising for power.
There may have been exceptions of course! The upcoming elections in this regard allow the Goan voters a reprieve from built-up angst generated by the apathetic performance of the legislators they voted to power. While one would have thought that a few formative years in politics and understanding the basics of it from the local perspective would have been the prerequisite the job demands, the fledgling regional party of youngsters which intends making a mark in the coming elections is unfortunately not being given the right type of media coverage it richly deserves. Overlooking them as an organisation of political minions, a grave injustice is being met to them. Why are Goans wary of trying anything that deviates from the existing patterns in elections?
