In the last over 40 years raising issues against the illegalities of successive governments has not been an easy task. Truth hurts but it is only truth that will always ultimately prevail. In the issues that I have raised over the years, it has never been personally against individuals but the wrong doings of those in power regardless of which party has been ruling.
During the Congress regime I was branded as a BJP man, now the BJP may feel the reverse. But I am what I am, having from the Lower Courts to the High Court and the Supreme Court of India done my duty in raising a whole range of issues concerning the public at large. We should never compromise or surrender our fundamental right to speak out openly and candidly against anything that is wrong. Let us never hesitate in taking the bull by the horn. Goa’s Shashikala Kakodkar was definitely never vindictive. Though I was a very close family friend she respected my right to oppose some of her government’s policies and decisions. And for this I respected and always held her in the highest esteem. She was more than a "Tai" to me. She was always very concerned about my well being. Of all the other Chief Ministers, Manohar Parrikar while in Power tried every possible avenue to harass and settle scores with me, But it was the very same Manohar Parrikar who earlier as Chief Minister in 2001 had through a government order appointed me as the Vice-Chairman of the NRI Facilitation Centre, a post which I very courteously declined to accept as I was fighting various issues against his Government. I have and still suffering that revenge and vendetta unleashed by Manohar Parrikar but let God be the Judge. Politicians and people in authority, by virtue of their positions should to be ready for both bouquets and brickbats. They should know that their lives and (mis)deeds are under the public scanner and are more than likely to be exposed at some stage. Freedom to fearlessly fight against social ills is the very hallmark of a true democracy, but unfortunately some of those who ride to power on a contrived mandate are unable to withstand such a scrutiny. We are sadly witnessing tolerance towards the Opposition declining right throughout the country which is a very disturbing trend for the world’s largest democracy. We need to be committed to battle head on any undue harassment by the Government of the day. We need to keep that fighting spirit till our last breath while the welfare of our fellowmen being our only concern. Aires Rodrigues Advocate High Court C/G-2, Shopping Complex Ribandar Retreat, Ribandar – Goa – 403006 Mobile No: 9822684372 Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012 Email: [email protected] Or [email protected] You can also reach me on Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues Twitter@rodrigues_aires www.airesrodrigues.com
