Special Status Hai Hai! Attaining Special Status for Goa is definitely the need of the hour. But in an emotionally charged up atmosphere are Goans preparing themselves for yet another betrayal by politicians? Goans have witnessed betrayals time and again, be it with Konkanni, meta strips or with the promise of cleam governance. Goans have even elected dynamic social activists to the Goa legislative assembly only to see them behave like blind mice when in government. When they are out of power they start singing the most beautiful and soothing songs that melts the hearts of the Goan people. One such new song is called "Special Status". Where lie its origins and where will be its end will only be known to Goans once the State elections are over three years from now. From the external look of it and the politicians involved it seems to be a well thought out agenda for a 2012 manifesto of opposition political parties. What is Orixtt Avaz today may only be Odruxtti Avaz after 2012 elections as the flag bearers of such labels are no other than those who have unexplained powers of making dead man rise to contest and an a unmatched mastery in political wheeling and dealing over the last several years, repeatedly taking the people of South Goa for a joy ride. And the movement for Special Status may only become a movement for Special Statements after 2012 State elections because the players are from the same league. Will Goans ever realise from past experiences? The games politicians play are the same that drug addicts and alcoholics play. The only diference is that one emotionally manipulates for drugs and alcohol whereas the other for power and money. The disease of addiction to power, money, drugs or alcohol is all about pressing the right buttons, ranging from love to hate, which will ensure the continued support to their nonsense. Considering the heightened frustration of the Goan people, throwing up a vey emotional issue of Special Status has all the possibility that the public blinded by their emotions will bite the bait. Goa needs Special Status but the agenda cannot be dictated by politicians and political groups but has to emerge from the people. Contradictions are already visible when nosies about freezing population are made, but there is not a sound about freezing land conversions, construction and mining. Because this is where the money for Goa's dirty and corrupt politics is generated. These politicans who pretend to cry for Goa will not bite the hand that feeds them. The Goan people need to be vigilant against these false prophets who hover around promising deliverance. Seeing priests dancing on these platforms should not lead Goans to conclude that the movement is genuine. 'Codepedency' in addiction can affect anyone including priests if they are afflicted by a denial of the truth which is a symptom of addiction that prevents recovery. Will 'Special Status' be the agenda of the BJP in the next elections and are the grounds being prepared for this? Just wait and watch.
-soter d'souza
