People sitting in London can pass comments, but we tiatrists are here fighting for Goa: Francis de Tuem

Team Herald

VERNA: Well-known Tiatrist Francis De Tuem is famous for his political satire and he has for years come out with songs that were critical of various political developments and anti-people decisions taken by the government. Fresh after a hectic election season he looks back on his recent political entry and the reasons why he took up this fight.

Unlike the past, this election was different for him and in many ways a watershed moment that could define the rest of his career. Instead of focusing on the tiatr stage, he decided to make his foray into the political arena, and he hit the ground running and campaigned against the BJP government for the recently-concluded Goa Legislative Assembly elections.

He also responded to the criticism that came his way when he decided to join politics and how there were allegations made against him not just in Goa but amongst the Goan diaspora abroad too.

“Those sitting in London can criticize but we are here knowing and fighting for Goa,” he said

“I have the right to enter politics and no one has the right to block me.  There is a saying in Konkani “Khaunk mellonam tim ddrakxam ambott” (what you don’t get a chance to eat, you blame it as sour grapes). This led to some criticism, which did not affect me. At the same time, a lot of people welcomed and were happy with my decision and I followed my conscience,” he added.  

He also added that with so much to speak about and fight for, his role would have been limited to singing songs if he hadn’t entered politics

Francis rued the menace of defections that have corrupted politics in Goa and expressed sadness that despite the public giving Congress the mandate in the last elections, the majority of the Congress MLAs jumped to BJP.

“We tiatrists will definitely protest strongly if such a thing happens again. I have heard from sources that some candidates ( in 5-6 seats) who recently changed parties will go back to the same parties To say, we joined the rival party for the sake of development is betraying the trust of the people who voted for you because you were against that party. That’s not development of the constituency but only self-development. We will keep a close eye

However, his purpose was not solely focused on the results of this one election alone.

“I am here to bring about a change, to clean the political system, and to educate the people on what is right, what is wrong. I also want to work to protect Goa,” said Francis.

When asked why he decided to join politics given that he campaigned actively this time, Francis replied saying it was the wish of the people and his support base.

“When I first started out, I was mostly into comedy. Then after I was established I got into political ‘kantaram’ and my songs received a great response. People started accepting it and were even telling me how they too agreed with my opinions about politics and general developments affecting the public. These people were the ones who kept asking me why I am not joining politics myself. That’s how I got the idea,” he added.

“My main reason for joining politics though was not to contest or for any personal gain. Whenever I do something, be it tiatr or anything else, I always do my research and for me this election was a chance for me to observe and to study how the system works. Only then can I think about how to change things,” he added.

Speaking about his observations, Francis said the public should not be looking only at how the politicians should behave but should also reflect about their own actions.

“The first and most important habit that has to stop for any elections is people taking money in exchange for their votes. Only if that stops can we see a difference and can elect good candidates. Whatever the reason maybe, accepting money for votes or asking for cash for votes is wrong and must not continue,” Francis added.

He also castigated politicians for campaigning using money and questioned if these elections are about democracy or about the business where the highest spender wins.

“Even if Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, had to contest elections in Goa, he would not be able to win without spending money.  This is how bad the situation is. Politicians are spending between Rs 8-10 crores. The system should be such that whoever is contesting should not spend money like this. This is what has to change,” he added.

He felt that politics should not be reduced to accumulating wealth but to taking forward the people’s demands and aspirations.

He painfully recalled how the government did not give them any assurance during that time when they were struggling for their livelihood and how those who were speaking against the government were abused. If in the future there is a pandemic-like situation where there are no tiatr shows and all artists cannot perform, we should have the capacity to financially survive such a period. Not just tiatrists but others in the entertainment field” he added.

Responding to the charge that some tiatrists only come forward before elections, Francis vowed to continue to remain active and said irrespective of who forms the government, he will remain vigilant.