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Remembering Aquino Braganca (b. 6 April 1924), who fought for freedom
of the former Portuguese colonies in Africa. An online tribute
http://aquinobraganca.wordpress.com/ (includes many historical
references, some photographs and documents)
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Both Arwin and George's take on Goan, and by extension, Indian politics
understandly smacks of lack of deep knowledge of the Indian political system.
Saying that national parties are only bent on destroying Goa is an outrageous
statement. It belies the ignorance of political ignorance.
First, why are politcal parties formed and what are their purposes? No matter
whether they are national, regional or state level parties, their prime motive
is to win the right to rule. How they do it is another matter. Some go to
extreme levels of intimidation, some indulge in bribing, some make false
promises.
On this Easter day, we need to contemplate who are the "false prophets" and
then deal them the treatment they deserve. If Congress makes false promises,
the people must be made aware, if they are not aware already, of how they party
has betrayed their promises in the past. A laundry list of such false or empty
promises could be printed in newspapers and given wide publicity through all
posible mediums. Same goes to BJP or the NCP.
At the state level, turn to the UGDP, the Save Goa Front and the MGP. Their
manifestoes state what they stand for. That's all in print which is forgotten
once they get into power.
The voter is left with little choice among the national parties and the local
parties. Even independents need to be under voter scrutiny. I do not know how
many independents are contesting the Goa elections and how among them are
credible. In the past, the independents, once elected, are quick to join the
parties either because their numbers make the difference to some parties. They
are bribed or made ministers if they switch to a party which is helped in
gaining the necessary number to form the government.
So, there is no hard and fast rule on how the parties should behave. True, each
party must have ethical guidelines and, even if they have, it is imperative
that they follow them. But does this happen? The straight answer is a big NO.
It does not matter if there is a Third Front or a Fourth Front. These are just
name blocs that lose their meaning and motive once the elections are over or
till the next elections when new blocs with either same name or same players or
different names with different players or some of the some players are formed.
Indian politics is a merry-go-round. You hop on one hobby horse and then jump
on to the next on the next round. Goan politics is the miniature form of the
national game. Goa is a bit player in the national framework. Goa's voice
through its elected represensatives in Delhi or as the government as a whole
does not carry much weight. This is a fact Goans must be comfortable with.
Selfish politicians in Goa have made hay. Name one polticians who has not made
enough money for himself and, at least, for his close family members and close
associates. While other states have mega-circuses, Goa is content with its own
dhirio and khell-tiatrs in the political arena.
Goa-based Goans would probably laugh a bit at suggestions coming from
foreign-based Goans. Though political commentary is free, what counts is the
vote. The question arises who is the ideal candidate deserving the votes. If
any candidate fits the bill, let me know.
Eugene Correia
> Now she is coming to Goa again on 16th/17th April to give
> false hopes again and ask Goans to vote for her party,
> to continue destroying Goa & its identity
Both national parties have contributed to the destruction of Goa, using it to
siphon funds. Goan politicians are intermediaries who collect the bribes, keep
their cut, and pass the rest to Delhi. Goa is doomed as long as the national
parties use it as a bank ATM machine.
Goan political loyalties are to Delhi and Goan politicians have prostituted
their motherland to the Delhi pimps in both national parties. Check how many
Delhi politicians visit Goa and PAY for their visit, while collecting their
loot. The BJP, through IFFI and its subsequent silence on the land grab and
illegal mining and building in Goa is no different than the Congress party.
Goa, RIP.
George
