PERNEM: ‘You reap what you sow’ is what appears to have been implemented in 2017 election, especially in Mandrem and Siolim constituencies of north Goa.
Mandrem constituency gave Goa the former chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Siolim the Art & Culture minister Dayanand Mandrekar. Applying the same formula in both Mandrem and Siolim constituencies, the winners Dayanand Sopte of Congress and Vinod Palienkar of Goa Forward turned giant killers by deflating ministers who were about to enter in their 4th term. Sources say the silent votes played a vital role in Parsekar and Mandrekar’s defeats.
On one side people were tired with Laxmikant Parsekar who was in power for last 15 years and also became chief minister in his last tenure but could not satisfy Mandrem people. On the other hand sources say the minister who was known for his money and muscle power had taken people of Siolim for granted showed Mandrekar his place in this 2017 election.
However, the people who brought about a major change in these two constituencies appeared silent perhaps because these two didn’t bring in any projects to get employment to their constituents.
In Mandrem, projects such as Tiracol Golf Course, Electronic city and Chapora river front beautification projects were not approved by the people. In all these projects, sources said Parsekar indirectly grabbed people’s lands which affected major portion of tenants in his own land – major issues which backfired.
Siolim, which elected Mandrekar for the last three terms, did not seem any improvement but people continued to live a backward life.
The silence prevailing in these constituencies with no major celebrations indicate people just wanted for a change and voted for an individual rather than a party.
A local Dipak Mhamal said, “This is result of his (Parsekar) behaviour towards the people. He was in power for 15 years but what he did in Mandrem other than looting people. We are happy for Dayanand Sopte and are optimistic he will surely work for the people.”
Another local Pritesh said, “This is result of his over confidence. His behaviour towards the people was very arrogant, negative; money and muscles power was what he used all thse years. These factors cannot buy everything but he was completely dependent on them and now he had paid for them.”
Another local said, “We are happy with the decision made by the people of Siolim. Finally without getting scared of Mandrekar, they voted against him and got themselves free from his rule.”
On the day of result, around 3000 people participated in victory rally of Vinod Palienkar. The rally started at around 2.30 pm and ended at 7.30 pm.
