Why not think of bringing those who vote with no thought of stable
governance to dock, asks PACHU MENON.
A letter to the editor appearing in one of the local dailies correctly
summed up the political scenario that is prevalent in the state today. The
part where the writer describes his 'foolish audacity' to stand for an
assembly election and the consequential snubbing by a well meaning
neighbour, who had the cheek to inform him that in spite of being a good man
he would not do 'their work', should come as an eye-opener to many who want
to plunge into the political arena and change the whole system.
The "you scratch my back and I will scratch yours" tone with which every
aspiring candidate is greeted and encouraged, leaves nothing to the
imagination. When the electorate itself has no compunctions about expecting
their elected representatives to promote corruption and nepotism, why should
it cry foul when, in a sudden flash, their leaders are caught with their
pants down, literally?
The initial period, when a newly elected member learns the ropes, is nothing
less than an initiation into the mannerisms of 'flowing with the tide',
graduating into devising flagrant ways of flaunting and bending the law of
the land. The first stint in the house goes into cementing one's place in
the order of things - the alliances and loyalties that will decide one's
political future. The growing power and the consequential riches gradually
become addictive.
There are a few who appear to be in a hurry and intent on scaling the peaks
in a jiffy. I would call these contenders 'the by default' members. They are
the dark horses in multi-cornered contests who triumph due to splitting of
votes. Unsure of an encore, a sense of insecurity drives them into acting
insensibly. Some cling on purely on the strength of their bargaining power,
others resort to muscle power.
Politicians have two ways of being noticed. Some prefer working silently in
the knowledge that as elected representatives they owe it to their
constituents to strive for their welfare and betterment and, in the
process, bring about all-round development.
The others are seen hollering, threatening the government over unrelated
issues. They thrive on scandals and controversies. Their money and
muscle-power creates this arrogance. Though the later variety is more
'visible', it is the former that go on to become seasoned politicians,
leaving a lasting impression on the state or national polity.
Goa is today agog with reports of the misdemeanours of former Tourism
Minister Francisco 'Mickky' Pacheco. Mickky, very much like our dear Lalu,
represented a new trend in politics. A macho, non-caring image; the top
buttons of his designer shirts undone; sleeves rolled up and trendy
sunglasses atop a balding forehead, he looked everything but the
high-profile cabinet minister that he was.
His devil-may-care attitude almost always put him in spots of bother. He had
a penchant for showing aggression in unusual ways. Every inch of his persona
was an antithesis of the traditional politician. Why then should such a
person be called a man of the masses; a leader who was not once or twice,
but three straight times elected from his constituency? Isn't the electorate
at fault then?
Goan politics could well be described as a village ( and , sometimes, city)
where , at the drop of a hat, a dozen contestants stake claims for a
party-ticket. Councilors and panchayat presidents, doctors and engineers -
the increasing numbers of independents in the fray for every poll is an
indication. A local TV channel very sarcastically mentioned that of one of
the prominent villages in South Goa had the rare distinction of electing
only 'tainted candidates' to the assembly for the past 30 years; a record
of sorts. Some of the political big-wigs in the state love to court
controversy;getting involved in scandals and scams is their main forte !
We whine about our own people turning marauders and plundering this
wonderful land. Instead of accusing the politician, why don't we think of
bringing those villagers to book who exercised their franchise without any
thought for stable governance in the state? We elect them and spend the next
five years complaining about their faults and errors; for siphoning millions
into their private accounts at our cost.
But we are never heard cursing ourselves for that one thoughtless
'electronic click' that sealed our fates; we apparently do not even rue that
tactless folly. An editorial in a leading daily went so far to state that
"the irresponsibility of voters has got a lot to do with the political
instability that has been the state's longest surviving plague". How very
true.
A newly inducted minister, a newcomer to mainstream politics, was overheard
saying that he should not be called a greenhorn, as there is nothing called
'inexperience' in politics. According to him, the proximity of the people
and years of public service is enough to qualify one as a thoroughbred. What
logic !
We definitely have been flippant. An unwarranted caution when deciding on
our representatives has quite often resulted in the same fare being dished
out in different names. In spite of having a host of alternatives, we
continue sticking to the 'tried and tested' ones. We cry for change, but
have no ardent wish to contribute our mite - we would rather be led.
Discussions in pubs and taverns over a 'quarter' and disagreeing over the
policies of the government serve no purpose, and will always be 'tipsy
arguments'. Purportedly, the best pastime today is to hurl abuses at
politicians, those whom we have collectively 'endorsed' as our rulers,
albeit in the comfort of our homes - for fear of the 'sanctions' they may
impose upon us.
We relish the voyeuristic pleasures gained by peeping into their private
lives. Insolence on their art could well be ascribed to their supreme
confidence that their personal matters can never become public. Savouring
the publicity afforded by the media, they appear to be least bothered by
gnawing pains of conscience at the seriousness of the accusations leveled
against them. Till such time that the elected representatives are forced to
assume responsibility for all their acts of omissions and commission, we,
the general public, will continue to wallow in self-pity.
COMMENTS:
This article by Pachu Menon comes on the eve of the 64th. Goa Revolution Day
and is not for nothing. Goans will have to do a lot of introspection and
must nurse a guilt feeling at this great Goan expose'. When one is haunted
with a guilt feeling, what one does to get over it (if possible) is to try
and devise ways and means not to get into or fall into the same situation
again, meaning, developing sixth sense of avoiding such a repeat. And most
often it works, as we call it 'once bitten twice shy' However, in political
reality, we ask to be bitten again and again and the beauty of it all is
that there is not an iota of guilt feeling.
The answer to problems posed by Pachu Menon here is simple. We, as a new
generation political would like to even make it simpler by saying - "
During Election times, we field 'unique, unparalled, system of governance';
Not 'Candidates'
My personal experience at the hustings [2007] when I contested the Aldona
seat on the GSRP's ticket, I am on record of having told the collective of
Aldona's voters not to vote for Floriano Lobo. That they must vote for the
System of Governance that the Party has designed to be implemented. "It
could be any person in the shoes of the candidate. But your vote must not go
to the person but to the System you like and you want to be implemented. Any
donkey as the candidate will serve the purpose".
But to my consternation, the people whom I was addressing ganged up on me to
advise me never to speak like that during election rallies. That they have
come here because they will be voting for Floriano Lobo. What a load of
shit ! But can one help it? No wonder Goa is in shits today.
Viv la' Revolucion.
Viva Goa.
Cheers
floriano
goasuraj
9890470896
www.goasu-raj.org
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It is not ENOUGH that GOOD, HONEST citizens contest elections.
It is not ENOUGH that GOOD, HONEST citizen voters elect good, honest
representatives.
GOA urgently needs 'GOOD, HONEST, DISCIPLINED SYSTEM of GOVERNANCE'.
Wherein, even a dishonest person is forced to be good, honest n disciplined,
or to QUIT.
Only through PPS can such 'good, honest n disciplined system of governance'
be identified and accepted.
PPS GOA =PEOPLE for POLITICAL SANITY = PEOPLE'S POWER SYSTEM
for a date in 2012
Display the 'PPS' sticker on your vehicle today, to reject political madness
tomorrow.
