With an eye on Election 2007, Carmo appears to have initiated the Manohar
Parrikar cheerleading squad on Goanet. And why not?
I too have met Mr. Parrikar and so have thousands of fellow Goans. So what ?
In person he does come across as an affable individual. So what ? Being a
politician, first, that's his job - to appear approachable and courteous.
Samir Kelekar is possibly the only one of the four below that has dealt with
Parrikar in close quarters and understands him best.
Electorates in general have very short memories. Goa's electorate is no
different. Just like any employee anywhere, lets evaluate Manohar Parrikar's
(BJP) stint in Goan politics over the past few years. Some issues that come
to mind:
NEGATIVES:
- Was never elected with a majority, yet manipulated the Goan electorate to
become CM
- Failed to remove the River Princess
- Debacle re VCD on Goa's History
- Complicity of BJP in Sanvordem riots in March 2006
- Philip Neri disqualification and subsequent case of forged signature
- In light of construction of the INOX multiplex, failed to finalize a deal
that would benefit the state exchequer
- As Panjim MLA failed to address Panjim's garbage problem. Failed to
establish a plan to handle Goa's growing urban garbage crisis
- Burglaries in churches under his watch continued unabated. Crime in
general stayed where it was
- Turned blind-eye to corruption in his administration.
POSITIVES:
- Organized the inaugral IFFI
- 'Good Governance' - whatever that means
DOUBLE-STANDARDS:
Blamed state governments before and after him for irregularities that also
occured while he was CM. Basically played politics instead of addressing the
issue:
- Land deals involving foreigners
- Helmet issue and watered down legislation on compulsory wearing of
helmets.
- Managing / Dealing with issues related to Migrant labour
- Goa Regional Plan 2011
- Language Issue - Konkani Roman Script
- "Musical Chairs" in the Legislative Assembly
- Political interference of administrative issues - moved/delayed files
Please add to the above lists........and let us evaluate other Goan
political leaders.
With re to the Goa Regional Plan 2011, the President of the Goa Chamber of
Commerce and Industry is on record saying the plan was under development for
the past 5 years. Which obviously means more time was spent during the
Parrikar regime's time in power to craft this willy-nilly document. By
opposing the Plan 2011 now, is the the ex-CM 'pulling the wool' over our
eyes?
It is indeed time Goa found its Messiah outside the present bunch of
politicians who are obviously only in pursuit of the seat of power in order
to look after themselves for generations to come. Whoever it is that decides
to float his/her name is bound to be the runaway leader in 2007.
- Bosco
T.O, CA
ON Mon, 25 Dec 2006 10:15:04 -0800 (PST), Samir Kelekar in a private
response to Carmo D'Cruz:
Parrikar had a great chance, but messed it up due to
his arrogance (he cannot work as a team) and his
communal views.
On Mon Dec 25 21:36:25 PST 2006, CARMO DCRUZ wrote:
Hi Manohar,
You know that all of us Goan IITians and the Goan intellengentsia want you
to win the May elections. I personally feel you should launch your
own party and call it the SAVE GOA PARTY and you will win hands down.
On Mon Dec 25 22:31:02 PST 2006, JoeGoaUk wrote:
that was a nice one and perhaps, at the right time.
Believe me or not, I too wanted to write on this..
On Tue Dec 26 05:09:30 PST 2006 goa world wrote:
Judging from the no-show of any 'ruling' MGP-turned-Congress
ministers and others from the administrative and legislative
wings, and the ex-Goa CM Manohar Parrikar and his full BJP
associates being present and vocal in denouncing the Regional
Plan
