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We will soon be celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights. But we seem to be getting a step closer towards darkness, day by the day. Now Chief Minister Parrikar has been able to manipulate Opposition MLA, Dr. Wilfred De Souza, to accept the post of Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission. The BJP has been able to isolate and silence another voice of the Opposition. It is not surprising that Dr. Wilfred has been silent in recent weeks. We now know why and feel uneasy. Dr De Souza, a vociferous opponent of the Chief Minister, was not long ago stabbed in the back by the same Parrikar. He has now fallen prey to the temptations of a position that would give him the privileges and perks of a Cabinet rank. Without Power, politicians cannot keep their heads in place and the veteran Dr De Souza has proven that he is no exception. Saligao the constituency from where Dr Wilfred hails is known for its foxes. But this time it is cunning Parrikar who by his frequent recent visits to Dr Wilfred's residence was able to diagnose the Doctor's weakness and aptly prescribe the Doctor a position that would remove one thorn from the BJP�s side. Chief Minister Parrikar did not offer Dr Wilfred the position because of his planning skills or for the love of the veteran politician. His sole motive is to ensure that Dr Willie is not a party in planning any move to de-stabilise the Parrikar outfit, an art Dr Wilfred has mastered over the years. In subverting the opposition, Mr Parrikar has been playing a very crafty game. To soothe Mr Rane, the Opposition leader, he has retained him as the Chairman of the Kala Academy and also allowed Madame Rane to continue as Chairperson of Bal Bhavan. Only a healthy and strong opposition can ensure a good government. But with Parrikar having systematically terrorised every opposition voice we are just drifting away from the democratic principles enshrined in our Constitution. After the May 30th elections it was hoped that people like Mathany Saldanha would make a difference. But events are proving to the contrary. And now with Dr Wilfred having crossed the floor, one feels dismayed. When Parrikar was in the Opposition he screamed about Ministers making overseas trips. Today his Ministers are zigzagging the world. Very soon his Tourism Minister will lead the Goan entourage to the World Travel Mart in London, something Mr Parrikar vehemently opposed whilst in Opposition. Mr Parrikar has over the last two years systematically saffronised almost every department of the Goa administration. He has flushed out secular forces from key positions. Mr Parrikar can fool no one by claiming to be secular in having a token Sanjit Rodrigues, Allan D'Sa or Elvis Gomes within the ranks. These symbols disguise none. And Mr Parrikar's enforcement of his communal RSS ideology is out there for people to see. It is only sad that some will realise when it is too late. It's already late anyway! Aires Rodrigues Ribandar ---------------------------------------------------------- What's On In Goa: * Oct 26-Oct 30: Painting exhibition, Kala Academy art gallery. * Oct 28: Panjim Passport Office shifts to new EDC Complex premises. * Oct 29-31: Sale of polytechnic trainees garments, Govt Polytech, Panjim * Oct 29-31: Films on architect Le Corbusier, Goa Col. of Architecture * Nov 1-17: Swimming classes for children, others. SAG pool, Fatorda * Nov 1: Antonio Costa's painting exhibition, Fundacao Oriente 6.30pm * Nov 4: Book release, on Dr Gama Pinto, Lourdes Convent Saligao ----------------------------------------------------------
