George Fernandes
Power will go to the hands of rascals, rogues, freeboaters. All Indian leaders will be of low caliber and men of straw. They will have sweet tongue and silly hearts. They will fight amongst themselves for power and India will be lost in political squabble. A day will come, when even air and water will be taxed in India”. These were the words Winston Churchill uttered during the Independence of India.
Looking at the scenario of India and specifically of Goa after 68 years of freedom one can say Winston Churchill was absolutely right. See the number of scandals that have rocked India in recent years. Coming back to Goa we are worse. I will quote a few examples how rouges are ruling Goa.
BJP promised to get black money stowed but right here in Goa it can’t help the Goans get the white money invested in Kamaxi Forex.
There have been complains from families that Casino vessels have made some of breadwinners addicted to gambling, still government went ahead with the 5th Casino vessel in Mandovi.
People have been demanding special status for Goa due to scarcity of land, but Congress as well as BJP leaders have given huge tract of land to central government, be it Anjedevi island, Def expo at Betul, extra land for naval enclaves at Mopa or recently for new sea port at Betul. The leaders who said that will protect every inch of Goa have backstabbed Goa and it’s future generations.
Peaceful protesters are lathi charged or threatened by fighting for, be it local fishermen, or people demanding justice for Fr Bismarque Dias murder or deployment of bouncers at Tiracol.
Crores of rupees looted by the members of GCA, land scandals of Serula and Avdem comunidade, classification of coconut tree as grass etc.
I would like to stress especially the last line of Winston Churchill that day will come when even air and water will be taxed in India. The addition of 5th Casino vessel will surely add pollution to Mandovi river. The sucking of water by Vani Agro Co to distill brew and cry of local poor farmers that they are not getting enough water for agriculture purpose. The contamination of ground water throughout Goa especially at Cuncolim estate and creation of Investment Promotion Board which has cleared many projects in eco- sensitive zones despite opposition from environmental group’s clearly state that Winston Churchill was absolutely right of rouge Indian leaders who worked hard to prove Winston Churchill was right.
