Goa : Where Family Is The 'Raj'

The debate, hosted by Sujay Gupta on Point Counterpoint, focused on the growing influence of 'Family Raj' in Goa politics, where political dynasties dominate across party lines.

Panelists , Sidharth Kuncalienkar , Cecille Rodrigues , and Roshan Mathias discussed how family connections often determine political success, limiting opportunities for new leaders. While some argue that political lineage provides experience, others believe it creates an exclusive power circle that stifles meritocracy.

Examples such as the Monserrate, Lobo, and Rane families were analyzed, highlighting how influence, wealth, and transactional politics shape electoral outcomes. The conversation also explored the role of money, voter behavior, and defection culture in sustaining political dynasties.

Host: Sujay Gupta ( Group Editor , Herald Publications )

Participants:

Sidharth Kuncalienkar (Incharge BJP, North Goa)

Cecille Rodrigues ( Political Activist)

Roshan Mathias ( Director MOG Foundation )

Introduction

Family Raj in politics. Is it a natural evolution of leadership, or does it stifle democracy and limit opportunities for fresh talent ?

From husband-wife duos to second-generation politicians stepping into power, family-run politics has become a defining feature in Goa. But does this reflect voter choice, or is it a symptom of deeper structural flaws in our democracy?

The Landscape :

Babush Monserrate and Jennifer Monserrate in Taleigao; their son, Rohit, is the Mayor of Panaji.

Michael and Delilah Lobo in Calangute; their son, Daniel, is Sarpanch of Parra.

Subhash Shirodkar's daughter and Sudin Dhavalikar's son actively engaged in politics.

Ravi Naik's sons, Ritesh and Roy, both contesting elections.

Vishwajit and Deviya Rane in Poriem and Valpoi.

The Rise of Political Dynasties

Sujay Gupta:

Sidharth, political families dominate the landscape in Goa. We have the Monserrates in Taleigao, the Lobos in Calangute, the Ranes in Poriem and Valpoi, and the Naiks in Ponda. Is this simply a case of political legacy, or does it hinder democracy?

Sidharth Kuncalienkar:

Sujay, if you look at any profession, children often follow their parents' footsteps—doctors, lawyers, and even artists. Politics is no different. While having a political background offers a head start, at the end of the day, it is performance that decides longevity. In the BJP, for example, merit takes precedence. We have seen leaders rise from humble beginnings, even a tea seller becoming the Prime Minister. That is the beauty of democracy.

Sujay Gupta:

But does power breed more power? When families amass wealth and influence, does the common man stand a chance in politics?

Sidharth Kuncalienkar:

Elections are won by public mandate. In 2012, despite Congress’s financial muscle, voters threw them out, proving that money and dynasty alone do not guarantee success.

Cecille Rodrigues :

That argument is weak, Sidharth. When the father is the MLA, the mother is in local governance, and the son is in another post, whom do you hold accountable for failures? The system becomes opaque. The power structure becomes a fortress. Even if people are dissatisfied, they are left with no alternative.

The Transactional Nature of Politics

Sujay Gupta:

Roshan, you have spoken about how voters now engage in transactional politics. Is the electorate complicit in sustaining political dynasties?

Roshan Mathias:

Absolutely, Sujay. Today’s voters expect immediate benefits—who will help clear my land dispute, pay my child’s education fees, or secure a government contract ? This transactional mindset strengthens political families because they can provide these services in exchange for votes. When leaders view politics as a money-making enterprise, governance takes a back seat. This is why we see massive political shifts, including MLAs being bought and sold. The political system has turned into a marketplace.The result ? Genuine grassroots leaders with no financial backing struggle to survive.

Sujay Gupta:

But doesn’t this transactional relationship extend beyond *Family Raj* ? Political corruption exists at all levels.

Roshan Mathias:

True, but family-run politics ensures power stays within a closed circle. These dynasties protect their own interests rather than working for public welfare. When politicians see they are losing ground, they change the rules to maintain control.

Case Studies – Taleigao and Calangute

Sujay Gupta:

Let’s examine real cases. Rohit Monserrate became Panaji’s mayor despite having little political experience. If not for his father’s influence, would he have won?

Cecille Rodrigues :

Absolutely not. He was strategically placed and backed financially. Even after assuming office, he remains dependent on his father. It's not just about the husband, wife, or children contesting elections. Their close associates also hold influential positions, strengthening their grip on power. This system eliminates accountability. Politics is not a family business. Leaders should emerge based on their capabilities, not surnames. The problem is that the electorate now votes transactionally—who will do my work, pay my bills, fund my child's education. This mindset strengthens political families while sidelining genuine grassroots leaders.

Sujay Gupta:

And in Calangute, Michael Lobo’s influence remains unchallenged despite switching parties. Why?

Roshan Mathias:

Because it’s about patronage. People vote for those who can deliver immediate benefits, not based on ideology. Michael Lobo has built a loyal voter base that prioritizes these benefits over larger political principles.

Political Accountability and Defections

Sujay Gupta:

Sidharth, you claim the BJP values merit, yet we see political families thriving even within your party. How do you justify this contradiction?

Sidharth Kuncalienkar:

Some individuals may have a head start, but true political survival depends on competence. Look at Utpal Parrikar, son of Manohar Parrikar—he must prove himself like any other leader.

Sujay Gupta:

But do Daniel Lobo and Rohit Monserrate need to prove themselves in the same way?

Sidharth Kuncalienkar:

Ideally, yes. The electorate should judge them based on performance, not lineage.

Roshan Mathias:

The key issue here is fear—fear of losing jobs, fear of social alienation. Today, in constituencies like Calangute, people hesitate to move away from political figures like Michael Lobo because they fear becoming irrelevant in society. This fear controls people’s choices. If someone refuses to align with a dominant political leader, they risk being sidelined even in local governance structures like the Panchayat.

Sujay Gupta:

But if there is so much frustration, why isn't there a movement demanding change? Why don't people vote against such leaders?

Roshan Mathias:

The problem is systemic. People have lost faith in all governments—whether Congress, BJP, or others. They believe the government does not work for them. They survive on goodwill and charity rather than institutional support. This is the reality.

Sidharth Kuncalienkar:

I disagree. This perspective undermines the voter’s intelligence. Voters aspire for the well-being of their families and society. They have witnessed governments change since Goa’s liberation in 1961. People have voted out governments that exceeded their mandate. Political change has happened and continues to happen.

Sujay Gupta:

But what has truly changed? Today, voters focus more on individual candidates rather than political parties. That’s why personal political brands seem to have greater influence than party ideologies. Many MLAs in BJP today did not originally come from the BJP. They moved due to "viability factors."

Sidharth Kuncalienkar:

If we go back to 2022, many believed BJP wouldn’t return to power. But when we engaged with people on the ground, we sensed confidence in BJP’s return, and we won. One major reason was the weakening of the opposition. The opposition has withered away because it hasn’t given people hope. If they had engaged in honest politics, they would be in a stronger position today.

Sujay Gupta:

People have a perception—right or wrong—that certain Congress leaders stay silent because they have “skeletons in their closet.” They are compromised, their hands are tied, and they cannot take a strong stand against the government. The BJP benefits from this lack of opposition.

Sidharth Kuncalienkar:

I disagree. The Congress today panders to specific communities, which alienates other voters. This weakens their position politically.

Sujay Gupta:

Which community are you referring to?

Sidharth Kuncalienkar:

You should ask Congress that. Their strategy is why voters view them with suspicion.

The Future of Goa’s Politics

Sujay Gupta:

We are at a crossroads. Goa’s electorate increasingly votes for individuals rather than parties, allowing political brands to overshadow ideological commitments. The real question remains—will the people of Goa continue to support dynastic politics, or will they demand change?

Sidharth Kuncalienkar:

Democracy is about choice. If voters disapprove of dynastic politics, they have the power to reject it.

Cecille Rodrigues

Politics should be about merit, not surnames. Goa deserves better leaders, not just inherited power.

Roshan Mathias:

Until voters shift away from transactional politics, political dynasties will thrive. Change begins with the people.