TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Manohar Parrikar’s resignation as Panjim MLA, following his induction into the Union Cabinet, has led to not one but now two by-elections with St Cruz MLA Babush Monserrate deciding to contest the seat vacated by Manohar Parrikar. But these won’t be just another set of by-polls. Even as controversy doesn’t leave the Taleigao satrap as he plans to enter yet another neighbouring constituency, political sources indicate a very strong possibility of Rudolf Fernandes, who is controversy’s child, of entering the fray in St Cruz.
Naturally a certain amount of wariness has set in and early reactions indicate that the people of St Cruz would prefer people with clean backgrounds and with no criminal charges including linkages with murders and supporting criminal gangs. Ponjekars on the other hand, have called for the need to usher in a development and a clean candidate for Panjim.
People Herald spoke to were quite strong in their views when condemning criminals, but preferred the shield of anonymity. Many were of the opinions that persons with criminal backgrounds enter politics because of the power it gives them and once elected the ability to control the law enforcement agencies.
“Definitely criminals should not be allowed to contest. Our MLA should be such a person who works at the grassroots level, who knows the problems of the people and the place,” said Kalpesh Sakhalkar, a businessman from Panjim.
The number of persons with criminal background entering politics has increased recently. According to the study done by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) after the March 2012 elections, 30 per cent of Goa’s MLAs had declared criminal cases and around 8 percent were serious criminal cases.
This does not include the larger body of politicians who are not MLAs but control politics in their area and may be future MLAs.
“We want crime-free Assemblies and Parliament. That is one of the objectives of ADR. Our observation is that very often when you ask a voter why they have voted for a criminal, the answer is a little complex. They know the candidate’s criminal background, but they talk about development. They want someone who will do work, what they feel is the best for the constituency”, said, Bhasker Assoldekar, State Co-ordinator for the Association for Democratic Reforms.
“The candidate should be approachable and concerned about Panjimites. The new MLA must devote more time for Panjim, decongest Panjim, introduce circular buses and possibly cycling routes. Basic amenities like water and electricity should not be affected because of rapid construction in the city,” said Gautam Mangalorenkar from Panjim.
In St Cruz too, there is interest in who could be their next MLA once Monserrate resigns. “Our future MLA should be honest, sincere, non-corrupt and completely devoted to social service since MLAs and ministers are servants of the people”, said former teacher Jayani Naik of Bondir, St Cruz.
There are feelings of hurt that Monserrate is leaving the constituency midway through the term. Tukaram Kunkolkar secretary of Chimbel Gram Seva Kala ani Sanskrutik Manch said, “The future MLA should not breach the trust of the people by leaving midway”.
What many are looking for is social work and regret that not much has been done in the constituency. Asis Araujo, President of Merces Club said, “The future MLA should be involved in social work and undertake development of the constituency which has been neglected for many years. He should help people during their needs and provide jobs to the unemployed youth. Currently, people are feeling helpless since there is literally no one to listen to their woes. This should not happen when the future MLA gets elected. ”
