------------------------------------------------------- CONVENTION OF THE GOAN DIASPORA FROM GOA INTO THE WORLD Lisbon, Portugal June 15-17, 2007 Details at: http://www.goacom.org/casa-de-goa/noticias.html -------------------------------------------------------
"A clarion call to Salcete Voters" by Wilmix Wilson Mazarello Each time, the "Goa-State-Assembly-Elections" are held, it is seen, that in Government- formation, the scales are turned, this way or that way, by mainly, the 'Salcete Taluka ". In short, it is the "Salcete Taluka", that is responsible for the "development" or "degeneration" of Goa. Bearing such a big responsibility on its shoulders, one wonders, if the people of Salcete, sincerely, do justice to the Goan people. Do they really understand the seriousness of the situation ? Do they really search their hearts and minds, before they cast their 'vote" in favour, of one or the other candidate ? On the face of it, it does not look so. Or else, how is it, then possible, that in so many constituencies of Salcete, the same candidates get elected, continuosly, again and again, for the last 20 years? And some, for even 25 years ? Even the people of the under-developed countries of Africa, will not believe, that such a thing happens in India, even today. That, in a "State" like Goa, where literacy of the people is claimed to be so very high, people elect the same M.L.A for as long as 25years. Believe it or not, it happens in Goa. And the 'Salcete Taluka", is mainly responsible for this "happening". What does this all mean ? To me, this could all mean just one possibility or a combination of two or more of the following :- 1. That the people of 'Salcete Taluka" are illiterate and do not know what is politically good for them. 2. That the people of the "Salcete Taluka" are not bothered as to who, runs their Government. Any one is ok for them. 3. That the people of 'Salcete Taluka' are too materialistic and can be purchased for a "price". 4. That "self-respect" means nothing to the people of the "Salcete Taluka". They are ready to trade their "self-respect" for money, at any given time. 5. That the people of "Salcete Taluka' are too "timid" and afraid of the " Mafia-Type" politicians of Salcete. I myself am, from the "Salcete Taluka" and I know the people of Salcete, too well. None of the five possibilities, enumerated above, are true. The people of Salcete are highly literate and are fully aware, of what's good for them. They are very much bothered about who's running their Government and definitely, want to have a "say" in choosing their representatives. They are definitely not materialistic and cannot be purchased for selfish, material-benefits. "Self-respect" means a lot to the people of Salcete. They will not compromise their "self-respect" for 'anything". If this, is the ground-level situation in the "Salcete Taluka", then what else could be the reason, for the people of Salcete to vote for the same politicians over and over again for the last 25 "long" years. Yes, it is probably, possibility number "Five" ie. that the people of Salcete are too timid and afraid of the "Mafia-Type" politicians of Salcete. It is true that the politicians of Salcete are operating on the same lines as the "Mafia" does, in other parts of the world. If one does not vote for the "Dada" of their constituency, and if the "Dada" comes to know about it, then, "may-heaven-help-you ". Your life, will be "one-big-misery". The "Dada"s henchmen will be following you where ever you go. You could be beaten -up, beyond recognition, or even, handicapped for life. You will never get a "Municipal-License" to build, or renovate your house. Your kith and kin, will never be able to get a Govt. job. If you go, to the Government/ Municipality/Panchayat for any license, rest assured, you will never get it. With such a "fright" being sent down to the "electorate" by these 'Dadas of Salcete", who would dare go against them ? Who would dare to "not vote" for them and invite their wrath ? If this is the state of affairs in the "Salcete Taluka", then how can one, ever expect any change in the politics of Goa? I wonder,for how long, will my brothers and sisters of the"Salcete Taluka" let these, "sorry state of affairs" go on ? For how long, will we remain a "timid" lot ? For how long will we continue to surrender, to these "Mafia" politicians ? The people of Goa, outside Salcete, continue to laugh at us. They ask, Is there no one else, in Salcete, to govern their affairs? Where is the "Youth" of Salcete ? Will the Youth of Salcete never be allowed, to grow in politics ? Will Salcete always continue to be a monopoly of these, self-appointed "Dadas" ? Another election, for the new "Goa-State-Legislative-Assembly" is due very soon. Will the people of "Salcete Taluka" let down, Goa and Goans once again? Will they continue to be "timid" and surrender to the same "Dadas" once again? Even if these "Dadas" have the blessings of their "High-Commands" ? Let's for once vote for the "Person" and not for the :Party". Let's for once, vote for "Change" and not for "Monopoly". Let's vote for "Freedom" and not for "Fear". Let the People of "Salcete Taluka" show, to the people of Goa and to the World, that they can vote, and will vote for "Freedom from Fear" in the forthcoming "Goa-State- Assembly-Elections" of 2007. ----------------------------------------------------------------- The above article appeared in Navhind Times of, 20th May 2007 ------------------------------------------------------- Goanet recommends, and is proud to be associated with, 'Domnic's Goa' - A nostalgic romp through a bygone era. This book is the perfect gift for any Goan, or anyone wanting to understand Goa. Distributed locally by Broadway, near Caculo Island, Panjim & internationally by OtherIndiaBookStore.Com. For trade enquiries contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] -------------------------------------------------------
