If the people of Goa are serious about a true people’s government in 2017, then they must not let go of a golden opportunity that chance has provided, in the form of not one, but two by-elections, in Panjim and St Cruz.
With the government in full majority, there is no likelihood of these polls making a difference to the strength of any party. But if the people of Panjim and St Cruz change the way they select candidates to represent them, it will be a welcome change in our polity. Voters of these two constituencies can show that Goa can chose low profile, simple and dedicated people. People who do not run criminal gangs or are involved in illegal operations, people who have not been sent to jail on criminal charges and people who are constantly under the watch of the police and law enforcement agencies.
Goa wants a change. But does it have the courage to enforce it? These elections will show if it can, by electing clean, decent, hardworking and service-oriented people, notwithstanding the party the person comes from. Goa has had enough of its politicians as defendants in criminal cases.
The attempt should be to get good people into our Assembly. Their party affiliations can be sorted out subsequently.
