Goa’s soul is highly tormented today, though some would believe that the soul had begun its torturous journey the day Goa was jettisoned from its Portuguese mooring in December 1961. No doubt some events over the course of its post-Liberation history has thrown open the issue of Liberation to debate, the current show of government inaptitude and reckless behaviour makes even the die-hard lovers of Goa’s freedom think if this is what we really bargained for.
Doubtless, freedom comes with a price. But what price, may I ask? In the past few years, Congress proved its incompetence, with the then CM Digambar Kamat now embroiled in the Louis Berger case along with another ex-CM and PWD minister under Kamat, Churchill Alemao. One is not sure if the curtains will come down on this case before the next elections.
The Mickky show has ended after its own share of comical acts — from hospital to non-wearing jail uniform to mom’s sickness — before he flew out for fresh air. These two running shows have made Goa a laughing stock, I wish that these politicians disappear from the political stage and give respite to the weary citizens. Goa has become a political carnival year around. They and some ministers and MLAs, past and present, who have brought a load of shame on Goa, need to hang their heads in shame.
Ram Manohar Lohia came to mind when the word “revolution” was bandied around in the red-hot issue of Fr Bismarque’s death. Lohia roused the people to action. In a sort of way, Bismarque’s unfortunate death — or murder — has roused the sleeping citizenry. There was a time that the cry, Utt Goenkara Utt, was heard in the public sphere. It requires a spark to start a revolution, be it silent or violent. The outcry for justice for the dead warrior on environmental issues, more so for trying to save Goa from the clutches of builders and land-sharks, has to be lauded and those leading this struggle must be encouraged to keep up the fight till truth comes out.
Fighting corruption is the need of the hour. Those who are in the forefront of getting rid of corrupt people, in government or outside it, are indeed brave souls. Whether by virtue of holding office, cops like Bosco George and Nolasco Raposo inspire confidence. The CM should be ashamed that his brother-in-law has exposed his government’s under belly. It remains to be seen if this case becomes BJP’s undoing at the polls next year.
Corruption has seeped from the top levels of government to the panchayat level. Many panchas are caught in nefarious activities in many villages. Panchayati raj has now become a mockery. One panch from Colva, Calvert Gonsalves, dodged the cops before surrendering himself in a case that alleged his abusing his co-pancha.
That people like Calvert are voted back as panchayat members is baffling. If this type of things happen at the village level, it’s no wonder that ministers and MLAs with criminal records are voted to the assembly every election. I maintain that the voters never learn their lessons and it’s truly said that the electorate deserve the government they get.
As we look forward for another Liberation anniversary, it’s important to remember that internal vigilance is of utmost need. Goans must be touched with the spirit of Bismarque and should march together to save the land, the heritage from commercial forces and the dirty hands of ministers. Also, as we are heading into the Christmas season, let us pray for patience. Internal vigilance is the price of liberty, and Goans must keep their eyes open to see the wrong-doings everywhere.
It’s surprising that the government is looking at NRIs and Goans settled abroad for Goa’s development. There was a time when the central government promised a “single window” for NRIs to settle their issue. We live on promises but nothing happens in reality. The ground realities in Goa are much different from the picture-perfect image of Goa. I am ashamed, and I too feel as if my family’s fight for Goa’s freedom has been in vain.
(Eugene Correia is a senior journalist.)
