Money power has replaced ethics, principles in polls, feel senior citizens

MARCOS GONSALVES

marcos@herald-goa.com

MARGAO: Political developments in the run-up to the elections have completely changed the view of many senior citizens, who have participated in elections through the years. The conclusion they have come to is that there is no decorum left in the elections, and the sanctity of the democratic process has been replaced with money power and self-interest, leaving behind all values.

Interactions with several senior citizens from across Goa revealed that senior citizens are upset and disturbed by the recent political developments, fearing for the future. 

Speaking to Herald, many seniors expressed anger over the current political scenario and the damage caused to the sanctity of the elections by the politicians and political parties. 

Chandrakant Shirodkar, 71, from Margao, who has seen almost all the past Assembly elections in Goa since Liberation, said the elections are heading towards what can be described as one of the worst elections in his life. 

“I have never seen such type of political developments and the way elections are heading towards, in my entire life. Now, elections have become time to deal with money and self-interest. I had never thought that such a situation would prevail in Goa, which has made elections and politics a joke and nothing else,” he said. 

Re-collecting the earlier elections Shirodkar said there was only one thing to offer to the people by the candidate and political parties and that was development of society, resolving issues and living in harmony. 

“Earlier voters used to take decisions to support the concerned candidate by consulting all the members of the society or the concerned ward/village. It was a community decision and not of an individual. Politicians were also humble and sincere while canvassing,” he added. 

Agreeing with this, Vandana Naik, of Marcela said, “Being a senior citizen, this will be the 11th time I will be casting my vote. This is the first time I’m getting the feeling that democracy has no meaning. This seems more like a dictatorship rather than a democracy. There is no limit to how many times the leaders are changing sides for the greed of power and money. The one who is making the laws is breaking them.”

There is an echo to this coming from Canacona. RBS Komarpant, in his 60s, expressed anger over the political situation in Goa. “Now, elections are only aimed at giving and making money. There are no values left, and the one with values will end up losing the elections. This election is like a market, wherein everything is counted and valued in money,” he said.

He added that people used to hardly see caste and religion politics in the past. A word was enough for the candidate, as there was trust between the leader and the people. “There are no principles left to political parties and not even to the political leaders, leading to less importance to the elections,” Komarpant said.

There is a consensus among the seniors that elections have become a business. “Goan politicians have left no stone unturned to violate the original definition of politics. Observing the things happening around, I can say, never before has the situation been so pathetic. Today, every leader is fighting for the greed of power. Politicians have made politics a business rather than a public service,” said Arjun Melekar, panch of Maigine, Valpoi. 

Anthony Menezes, 62, from Quepem is also of the opinion that every political party used to select their candidate very carefully. However, with time everything changed to that extent that it has turned out to be the business. 

“At the moment we are witnessing that the political parties are least bothered about the criminal background of their candidates. Candidates with a history of defection have become a part of the politics. These elections are heading towards electing candidates who have no principles, no ethics and no self-respect,” he said. 

Manguesh Borkar, 65, who has closely witnessed more than eight elections in Goa said that in the wake of the current political developments this election has lost its solemnity. 

“Now, the importance of money has increased to such an extent that there is no dignity left. As per my view this current election is one of the worst elections ever seen. There is a vast difference between the earlier elections which are scheduled on February 14,” he stated. 

“Previous elections were calmer. So far Goa has been showered with infrastructure development. The upcoming government should focus more on giving good medical facilities and solving land issues which have been pending for decades. Corruption has increased manifold,” said Santosh Ramnathkar of Ponda. 

He sees a benefit in the form of social media that was absent in the past. “If previous elections are compared, people were scared to raise their voices over the issues. In contrast, the current scenario is way too different. Through social media we get to watch how locals are counter questioning the leaders during door-to-door campaign,” Ramnathkar said.

(With inputs from Sthrigdhara Naik)