The Ethics Of Goan Politics After the untimely demise of the popular Goan activist and MLA elect, Mathany Saldanha, a lot of Goans wanted his wife Alina to take up the gauntlet of Mathany's missions and continue his fight for the Goan causes and there were abundant overtones from a lot of quarters that Alina should be elected unopposed at the Cortalim by-elections and looking at the most bizarre scenario on the last day for withdrawal of candidature, they did get their wish, as Alina Saldanha was indeed elected unopposed from Cortalim. I for I had been a supporter of Mathany's causes for a long time and I am happy that Alina has indeed stood up to be counted and by God hope she does for the sake of Goa and Goans but I would be happier if she had won in a more democratic way.
Is this what a lot of Goans wanted ? Yes, may be the resounding answer, now that it has happened but let us ask ourselves, was it the right way to happen ? Here, at least some will give it a though before they shake their heads in negation, as the bizarre circumstances have only led to some unhealthy and undemocratic presumptions or rather more questions than answers, which further question the credibility of our democracy, which has already been robbed of it's virtues and ethos by corruption and nepotism, as the ethics of Goans politics had plummeted to newer depths of degeneration. It is this embedded culture of corruption that had led to squalid misgovernance which indeed compelled deep introspection in Goans, as a result we witnessed the overwhelming defeat of the corrupt and the squalid governance and the much needed change was attained. At the elections in March Goans had made a statement, that we do not like to be taken for granted and I hope that our triad against the corrupt and the squalid governance, is not just overwhelming one day and non-existent the next but that we Goans remain forever vigilant against the guile and treachery of our politicians. History has taught us that Democracy can be a boon in the hands of efficient and capable people but it can also be a bane in the hands of the wrong people, the selfish and the inefficient and we have seen ample proof of the latter in India and even in Goa itself, so much so that a lot of disgruntled Goans have reverberated that Goa should never have been a part of the Indian democracy and looking at the Indian and Goan politics at the moment some may well accept it as a fact, especially when we see our loathsome politicians get involved in horse trading, jumping political bandwagons, changing loyalties, discarding and embracing principles like they change their under-clothing (if they wear any), to hold on to positions and financial advantage through political clout. There have been a range of accusations and counter accusations regarding the result of the Cortalim by-poll, the truth may never see the light of day like many other issues but if there were wrong methods used to derail a democratic process then I say, democracy is not for Goans, it will always be an attempted murder of the sanctity and ethics of democracy, and I surely hope that Manohar Parrikar has not violated those norms of democracy to score brownie points over his rivals. Manipulative democracy is what Goans can do without and for the sake of Goa and Goans I sincerely hope Manohar Parrikar has not manipulated our democracy in his bid to embarrass the opposition and ascertain his power in Goan politics. If Alina has won the election fair and square without any appropriations, then I say congratulation Alina Saldanha, may you follow the vision of your late respected husband and may he guide you from his heavenly abode to carry on his legacy and fulfill his unfulfilled dreams, to make Goa a truly model state. May God be with you Alina, in your endeavour. Freddy Agnelo Fernandes ##################################################################################### The content of this electronic communication is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and any others who are specifically authorized to receive it. It may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or otherwise placing reliance on the contents of this information is prohibited and may be unlawful in certain legal jurisdictions. If you have received this communication in error please notify the sender immediately by responding to this email and then delete it from your system. #####################################################################################
