Two ex-CMs held Goa to ransom. This is criminal SUJAY GUPTA
[email protected] PANJIM: The Herald has clearly, unequivocally and consistently come down heavily on the absolute misadventure of the Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch, for its reckless misinformation campaign against the decision to give grants for English medium education and saying it will wipe out Konkani and Marathi. Monday’s act of bravery by thousands of parents who sent their children to school, show not only their courage but expose the cowardice of Sashikala Kakodkar and her new partner in this journey Manohar Parrikar, in enforcing a bandh through stones and sticks and calling it successful. Calling this bandh successful is the biggest travesty of fair play ever and is a tactic resorted to by the meek. There was only one side which played true and fair on Monday and that is the side which won. The parents of Goa. Herald salutes them. Manohar Parrikar and Sashikala Kakodkar held Goa to ransom. This is criminal. Commerce ground to a halt, businesses did not function, losses were huge. Roads were jammed and traffic was blocked. Did they benefit from this? The BBSM and the BJP which has seen a political window in supporting the BBSM — a hasty immature move — moved from market to market asking shopkeepers to shut their businesses. Since it was an issue concerning parents and their choice of their children’s future why didn’t they have the guts to go from school to school or even college to college asking people to participate in a debate on the issue of medium of instruction? Instead, they subtly evoked fear and insecurity in the minds of people whose livelihoods depend on long term trade and business. This is cheap. The people of Goa are disgusted at the BBSM and the BJP for assuming that their narrow agendas reflect the voice of the people. This is far from the truth. They should be made to pay for all the losses incurred by Goa on Monday. If proper public interest litigation is moved, they will have lots to pay. Herald continues its Over to the Parents campaign but with the experience of Monday, we invite not just parents but all right thinking Goans, to voice their views on what should be done by irresponsible former Chief Ministers for holding Goa hostage and spreading a false campaign of propaganda and hate. This hypocrisy of people whose own kith and kin get the benefit of the best of English education and yet prevent poor parents of giving the same to their children needs to be countered and attacked with all the strength in our command. Let’s go. COMMENT: Another bandh in June; bring it on - after sometime the traders will get fed up and will not close shop! Also someone please clarify is it illegal to call a bandh and block the roads? -- DEV BOREM KORUM Gabe Menezes.
