As the heat and dust settles on arguably the most keenly contested Goa Assembly Elections 2022, it is time not only for the State government to steadfastly take Goa on a progressive path with well structured Goa centric strategies, but more importantly the onus is on the Opposition to play a very crucial role as true representatives of Goan population.
The true function of any Opposition is to keep the Government on its toes and to prevent misuse of the power. This can be effectively performed only when on both sides, there is discipline, a sense of responsibility, a sense of belongingness to the state of Goa, sincerity and above all a determination to give top most priority to Goa’s interests as against personal interests.
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In 60’s & 70’s Goa had a well balanced mix of MLAs representing various strata of Goan society including Freedom Fighters, Doctors, Teachers, Agriculturists, Advocates and others which ensured high quality of discussions on the floor of the House with inputs coming from various professionals from respective fields.
Today 34 out of 40 MLAs have “Business” as their Profession, as per their affidavits. It is not surprising therefore, that as in Business, Maximisation of Returns on Investment (ROI) in the available limited time of 5 years could become the sole objective of many.
It is the prime duty of the Ruling Party (Government) to take lessons in maintaining healthy relations with the Opposition Party. It should recognise healthy and effective opposition. It is also the responsibility of the Government to ensure that an effective and viable opposition is allowed to function to keep Democracy alive.
The Opposition’s main role is to question the government of the day and hold them accountable to the Goan public. The Opposition is equally responsible in upholding the best interests of the people of Goa. They have to ensure that the Government does not take any steps, which might have negative implications simply because they have a mandate. The opposition should keep the government on its toes and ensure good governance.
In Goa’s 60-year history, the opposition team has never been in as much disarray as it appears this time. In the interest of the people of Goa, they will have to remain together and get counted as a powerful opposition and prove to Goan voters why they are good not only for next five years but also much beyond 2022 to run the government on their own! However, to be sound and effective, the opposition will have to be vigilant, responsible and constructive.
Liberated Goa’s limited history, tells us that Opinion Poll, Demand for Statehood or Demand for Konkani as State language happened not because of a Government but perhaps despite it. It was only possible because the Opposition Party at every juncture got the support of Goan masses.
Our earlier generation might not have been highly qualified. They might not have been exposed to rest of the world the way we are. Are we leaving the same clean (ethically and otherwise) and verdant Goa to our next generation? Certainly not!
Goa requires now a strong and competent Opposition on the floor of the House. Here, the size does not matter. More important is the quality of the opposition. But to be effective and relevant, perhaps the Opposition MLAs will have to work overtime with higher level of dedication, discipline and determination than the way they worked when they were in the ruling party as Ministers or Chief Ministers!
It is also time for every right thinking Goan to start doing self introspection and question themselves as to where our generation has gone wrong and how quickly we get back Goa on the track. It is no use questioning the government or your representative at the end of 5 years.
Goa today is more dependent on other neighbouring States for their day today requirements. We need to be more active. Goa needs more voters who are active throughout 5-year tenure. It is time that people from every Constituency make their MLA “answerable” for every Act. We need to question the government and our respective MLA at all times rather than getting active only during the two months prior to elections. And every MLA should in turn get back to their people and get ready with all the questions to be asked in the Assembly during the next session. This should be an ongoing exercise.
We should strive to get back to the Golden Days so that when we hand over Goa to “the Generation Next”, we do it without guilty Conscience.
(The author is Goa State Coordinator, Association for Democratic Reforms – ADR).
