Goa was recently acclaimed as the number one State of India. And yes, we are number one where political defections are concerned. The BJP which has tried to project itself as a principled party has proven to be no different from the others in luring and encouraging defections.
The roping of the UGDP and MGP MLA's in saffron robes proves to what levels Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar will stoop to consolidate his position and crush any opposition within and outside his party. The MLA's have succumbed keeping in mind the short term gains. What they have failed to visualise is that the BJP is only using them for its hidden agenda and will dump them when the objective is met. The BJP has a track record to this effect. It is surprising that Mr Mathany Saldanha has not joined the influx into the BJP. The otherwise very vibrant leader surprised his admirers the day he chose to support the communal outfit. Supporting the BJP from the outside or joining the mainstream saffrons means the same. It will come as no surprise if this one time fiery leader joins the saffrons in the near future on the pretext that it was due to political compulsions and in the best interest of his constituency. This has become the standard justification to all defections. A strong opposition is a key to the success of democracy. But Chief Minister Parrikar, through his vindictive and at times dangling carrots tactics, has been able to silence most if not all opposition. The only NCP MLA the veteran Dr Wilfred De Souza is pleased to have an official car courtesy of Mr Parrikar who laid the Doctor to rest by appointing him Deputy Chairman of the Planning Board. A post without any powers but only perks and Mr Parrikar knows well what satisfies whom. The shrewd Chief Minister continues to keep the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Pratapsingh Rane, in the coveted post of Chairman of Kala Academy and Mrs Rane as Chairman of Bal Bhavan. The tactic has worked wonders in keeping the Ranes content. The Chief Minister has tried to paint a rosy picture by giving Panjim a few gardens but what will be heart breaking is when Goans have to face the reality of having to live in a Goa whose secular fabric has been eroded beyond repair by a communal and casteist BJP. All who have directly or indirectly helped Mr Parrikar achieve this wicked goal including Francisco Sardinha, Wilfred De Souza, Pratapsingh Rane and Mathany Saldanha will have to shoulder the responsibility. For the sake of financial considerations and the lust for power they have sold their consciences to take Goa into the doldrums. Aires Rodrigues Ribandar ########################################################################## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##########################################################################
