---------------------------------------------------------- What's On In Goa: * Oct 16-17: Ornithology workshop, Bondla southernbirdwing.com * Oct 16-27: Vipasana meditation, Alto Porvorim * Oct 24: Antonio Pereira Puraskar (Award) ceremony, Porvorim ----------------------------------------------------------
www.oherald.com dated October 15, 2002 TUESDAY TUNES Does winter affect political stability? RUMOUR MILLS are working overtime these days with various theories being floated that the present government may collapse anytime. Be it as it may. But what is interesting is the timing of these events or the "developments" one is led to believe in. In the last four years, for those in the top seat, two months - October and November - have been pretty bad. In fact, governments have collapsed and new ones installed during this winter period after 'cold' surgeries. Indeed, migratory birds leave their bases for greener paster in winter! It was in November 1998 that the Dr Wilfred de Souza-led Goa Rajiv Congress-MGP government (which was formed with the support of BJP) was brought down with the split in Dotor's now-defunct party headed by his deputy - who else but Dayanand Narvekar - who is reportedly busy once again (you know for what). A year later, history repeated itself. Once again in November (1999), Luizinho Faleiro's Congress government was brought down in a coup headed by Francisco Sardinha. In the third week of October 2000 before Sardinha could complete one year in office, the BJP withdrew support to install its own khichdi government with members from disparate groups. Incidentally, the veteran political surgeon as well as the flamboyant politician from South Goa lost power when they were abroad wooing foreigners to visit Goa. Manohar Parrikar, learning from others' experience, made sure that he didn't leave Goa for the World Travel Mart in London. And this time again, the ghost of instability seems to be giving him nightmares. Among the theories that are making the rounds these days are that the Congress has offered the top post to MGP's Sudin Dhavlikar (PWD Minister). The other says that the money-lender turned politician, Babush Monserrate has been given the same offer. The third theory says that the Congressman who can manage the magic figure of 21 to form the alternative government, will get the crown. No one knows what the real position is but if the gravepine is to be believed then Parrikar will be kept on this toes in the next few days if not weeks, to keep his flock (particularly members of the coalition partners), together. A jittered politician ONE VETERAN POLITICIAN is quite nervous these days. Well, there is no question of he losing his chair. He has already lost it though he had gracefully put in his papers. The politician we are referring to is not a member of the current assembly. Neither is he a MP. He is jittery because his reputation will be at stake going by the behind-the-scene development at the government level. He has had a good public image from the time he was a union minister. His suave and eloquent nature has always brought him admirers notwithstanding his political acrobatics in the last three years (and of course sanctioning loans!). It was the BJP which had tried to dig for skeletons in his cupboard and now that he is out in the woods, the 'Operation expose' has gained momentum. The BJP in its second term, will find this politician from the Opposition, good material to regain its bruised image. The Law Department will be advising the government as to how the operation will be conducted vis-a-vis the bank. Will this be timed with the impending political developments waiting to unfold? Enterprising govt officials! GOVERNMENT SERVANTS engaged in private business on behalf of their relatives is widespread all over the State. Some have stationery shops, others have hardware shops. The list goes on. As such, a PWD contractor can get his bills passed without much hassle, if he purchases construction materials from the agency patronised by the engineer, who happens to be in charge of the project. And though the contractor is well aware that the materials are substandard, he need not worry because the engineer who stands to gain will take the risk of granting him the quality certificate. But utmost care is taken by the engineer to see that the materials used in the construction work lasts for at least 18 months after completion. For, by that time both the engineer and the contractor will be absolved of any liability if the structure comes tumbling down. That is another story but the technocrat babus with each passing day are getting bolder and bolder to promote their products. One will find on a visit to the various government offices, wall calendars of private agencies donning the walls, though it is strictly banned under law to advertise commercial products and agencies in government offices. But who will bell the cat? They need not bother because they cannot be singled out, for such wall calendars are donning the walls of many government offices and even at the office of the Vigilance Department! But here is one example, which will belittle the others. Want a popular brand of cement? Call the dealer at Poinguinim on a phone number mentioned on advertisement promotion materials in circulation by the company. And surprise, surprise. The phone in question belongs to the Poinguinim Division of the Electricity department. On second thought, was it printer's error, one may ask? But there is a stark coincidence to dispel any doubts, for one of the junior engineers working there (now on VRS) is closely related to the proprietor of the cement dealer and the one who single headedly manages the entire affairs of the enterprise. The conclusion. Cementing ties keeps us all glued in this chaotic world and out of bonds. Contributed by Rajan Narayan and Freddy Rebello. ======================================================================== To view GoaNet's archives http://groups.yahoo.com/group/goa-net ======================================================================== For (un)subscribing or for help, contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Don't want so many e-mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead!
