Irineu Gonsalves writes in the 'Goan Observer' (Aug 9-15, 2008) asserting
that Goa badly needs a People's Party. He questions the role of the Diocesan
Authority and therefore the Church, of not doing enough to protest evil
designs.(I had thought that I was the only person doing that, therefore it
is good to have company). What is inferred from this writing is that none of
the political parties that are around in Goa are People's Parties. He
further says that the 'small parties' who raise their heads only during
election time are too weak and immature to be called independent political
entities. He says 'These parties are not for the sake of revolution or for
the benefit of the people they serve. They are more interested in playing
the role of king-makers in coalition governments and extract their share of
the pie'.
Therefore, a definition is required as to 'What a People's Party' is' as
according to Shri. Irineu Gonsalves.
I believe that the term 'small parties' used by the author includes or
refers to the Goa Su-Raj Party in the scheme of political things as well.
And therefore, this comment is warranted from me as the Party's spokesman.
I personally visited Irineu Gonsalves at his home and handed him a copy of
the Party's 'Constitution' and the 'Road Map' for Goa, a document that goes
by as the Party's permanent 'manifesto'. "Go through this" I had told him
" and let me have your comments" This, because, I have always considered
Irineu to be a level headed person. I also know that he could galvanize
things if he was motivated enough. A resourceful person indeed.
There has been a total silence on his part for the past almost more than 6
month since I met him last. And today, his star letter on the 'GO' gives me
the impression that he has made his comments that I had asked of him.
I presume that he has gone through the documents that I had given him and
that he has come to the conclusion that Goa Su-Raj Party does not qualify to
be the People's Party he has in mind.
If he has not gone through the above documents, especially the sections
highlighted therein, then it becomes apparent that Irineu is talking for the
sake of talking and misleading the people of Goa that there is a vacuum for
real People's Party. This would indeed be a great injustice to a lot of
people who have put in their precious time ad effort in the formation of
this party.
Therefore I want Irineu to state that he has come to the conclusion that a
real People's Party is required in Goa because Goa Su-Raj Party does not
qualify.
It is said that if there are two Goans, there will be three clubs or
associations. A reasonably true fact, indeed. There must be a thousand
Irineu Gonsalveses and Floriano Lobos and we can expect to have three
thousand political parties in Goa by the same calculations.
And we shall indeed need them all to save Goa from Goans.
floriano
goasuraj
PS 1: It is my belief that Irineu Gonsalves has had not time nor the
inclination to open the two documents given to him, much less read them. It
would be my sincere request to Irineu to plant the two booklets in his
rather large compound so that they may grow in girth during this fabulous
rainy season, that he may notice them enough to take a look see through
them. And then, I shall be curious to know, if he really desires another
People's Party.
PS2: This is posted to the Editor, Goan Observer, in the hope that he will
published this in the GO's coming issue.
