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REPORT FROM THE GROUND: IN POINGUINIM, LOYALTY IS A FLAG OR CAP AWAY
By Godfrey JI Gonsalves
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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No 40 Assembly Constituency Poinguinim Canacona Taluka
Polling day 13.10.2004
Polling from 0800 hrs to 1500 hrs (IST)
National Parties
Bharatiya Janata Party Isidore Fernandes +LOTUS
Indian National Congress Jagdish Acharya +HAND
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Poinguinim assembly constituency lies in Canacona taluka, and ends at the
Pollem check-post, where south Goa borders the State of Karnataka.
Bye-elections there was necessitated by the sudden resignation of the
sitting MLA Isidore Fernandes of the Indian National Congress Party. He then
sought the membership of the Bharatiya Janata Party and decided to stage a
comeback to the Legislative Assembly.
The reasons attributed for his resignation include (a) non "development" of
his Poinguinim constituency (b) failure of his Indian National Congress
Party now in the Opposition benches in the State to form an alternate
Government and regain power despite repeated attempts (c) to abide by the
December 2003 amended "anti defection laws" which postulates that one should
resign to switch parties.
For the 14690 electorate -- 7488 men and 7202 women -- the issues are:
* Which political party can be relied upon to bring about the repeatedly
promised "development" of the Constituency to its logical conclusion.
"Development" here means solving (a) problems of "kumeri" (shifting)
cultivators, permitting horticulture, rehabilitation of 736 persons
with alternative agricultural land as presently produce from the
forest areas cannot be taken out of Cotigao Wildlife sanctuary
(formed in 1967 by Goa's first chief minister Dayanand Bandodkar (b)
"pucca" interior roads (c) access to efficient and reliable public
transport (d) completion of bridges across Galgibag and Talpona
rivers. People today need to take a detour via an additional road of
12 kms to get on the other-side which is otherwise just 500 mts and
600 mts in length respectively across the river by small boats --
which, again, are dangerous in the monsoons -- where the proposed
bridges are desired (e) employment prospects for able bodied persons
in organised sector (private or government) or self employment
opportunities or prospects in traditional occupations in unorganised
sector (f) harnessing Chapoli dam water to ensure year round potable
water for irrigation agricultural (g) augmentation of water supply
-- by construction of a dam at Karvan (h) solving the perennial post
monsoons water problem (i) setting up an industrial estate (j)
uninterrupted power supply and power lines in some interior villages
still under forest cover.
* Whether the sudden resignation and subsequent switching of political
loyalties by the sitting MLA Isidore Fernandes (otherwise elected for a five
year term) forcing a bye-elections though legally right as per the amended
anti-defection law is morally justified --- coming as it does over
two-and-half years before the completion of the term of this Assembly (June
2007). Or, whether such a stunt of abrupt resignations could result in
setting a precedent, followed elsewhere and necessitating frequent bye
elections and thereby non-development? This could be a reality, more so
since the model code of conduct for elections does not permit any fresh
policy decision on governance or development activity in the district where
bye-elections are announced.
* Which of the two candidates in the fray, if elected, on a personal basis,
is a) easily accessible to the electorate and b) capable of forcefully
pursuing the issues of the electorate to its logical conclusion
* Will the victorious candidate cause an impact on STABILITY of the present
BJP led coalition government or usher in a fresh round of creating
permutation and combinations between the Treasury and Opposition benches in
view of the changed dispensation ruling at the Centre in New Delhi, thereby
resulting in fall of Goa's present BJP led Government (which has been ruling
since October 24, 2000 and for a second term, since June 2002.)
* Will the Hindutva or secular card be the decider?
This writer covered the entire constituency in a day-long tour, discreetly
conducted a tete-a-tete with voters on the eve of polling day from the
twenty one polling stations.
Eleven of these have a Catholic-Hindu combine accounting for 7609
voters and 10 are made up of exclusively Hindu voters, totalling
7081 mainly tribals "vanvasi" or "adivasi" in Poinguinim, Loliem,
Maxem, Polem, Gaondongirir, Sadolxem, and Cotigao. Some of these
hamlets have as few as 196 voters (Pratagal) to as high as 1109
voters (Avem). We spoke to them to gauge their opinion on the five
issues.
THE GROUND REALITY
------------------
Like it, or not, in India politics is based on caste combinations and
equations. In Poinguinim this factor is not to be discounted. There is an
appreciable level of tolerance among voters of different caste and religious
combine, mainly because the economic and development problems are common.
No doubt education has reached the electorate to a considerable extent even
in the interiors. The voters even in the remote village of Cotigao and Keri
were aware of the nuances of present day politics, as many of them move to
towns selling their produce or performing legendary folk dances at important
events in the State before distinguished audiences. TV has also reached some
corners even mobile phones are no surprise to the tribals.
But amidst the modernity, the mind set is primitive. Superstitions and myths
abound, animal sacrifices still dictate their lifestyles. There is the
village "Budhvont" still calling the shots. There is the "Rakhondar" saviour
against evils.
This Constituency has less than two hundred Saraswat Brahmins; the next
dominant castes are the Bhandari Samaj, Naik Dessais, Devadasis
(traditionally the temple women), Pagis (fisherfolk) and Bandekars (toddy
tappers). All are denominated as Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Then, there
are the Schedule Tribes viz; Gawdas Kunbis, Velips and goat rearing
community Dhangars, which together account for 4378 votes.
The Dhangars are still not included as schedules tribes and hence
are antagonised by the present government. There is a fair share of
people from neighbouring Uttar Kanara, but they belong to the same
Bhandari community (and share similarities, except for their slant
in Konkani the accent they use).
The Cristaos (as Christians are referred to here) are mainly Sudhirs
belonging to traditional labouring castes of the toddy tapers,
bakers, fishermen and agricluturist.
The two political parties have carefully ensured that the elected
representatives belonging to the respective communities visit the hamlets
(vaddos) to persuade the voters to vote for their party.
It must not be forgotten that once a lower community member is economically
empowered he alienates himself from his community and basks under the banner
of the upper caste, or what is called as "nouveau riche". One clear proof of
this is the public admission made at a corner meeting by BJP's Canacona MLA
Vijay Pai Khot that being a Brahmin himself he got elected from the Canacona
constituency, where his community has not more than 300 votes as against the
other castes and Cristaos which constitute the electorate that voted him to
power.
The campaign has mainly been door to door, with banners of both the INC and
BJP almost alongside. For party workers, loyalty is a flag or a cap of the
respective sported or worn on their vehicle or head.
Campaigning group of twenty get Rs 1000 per day. There were no "new
motorcycles" donated in sight. There are songs blaring from speakers fitted
on vehicles composed of traditional Konkani folk songs rhymed to support the
respective candidates.
Tempos carrying supporters move around villages, just to keep the heat on at
the end of lunch-break -- a frugal 'xit codi and nistem' (fish-curry-rice)
is offered in designated 'khanawodies' (traditional restaurants serving
home-type food). Bills are taken care of by the respective parties.
Most emphasis is on booth committees. After all, it is these booth
committees that will deliver. They have to ensure that the voters do
turn up on polling day and vote.
Nothing can be taken for granted. There is no pressing emotive issue yet
that will attract the voter to the polling booth. Indian National Congress
has raked up 'Hindutva' ideology and communalism of the Right wing Hindu
fundamentalist party. It even filed a police complaint against VHP leader Dr
Pravin Togadia, over an interview he gave to the Konkani (Devanagiri script)
daily Sunaparant, which branding Catholics and Muslims as demonic (the
Rahu-Ketu of Hindu mythology). For its part, the BJP's campaign talks only
of four-years of development under the "able leadership" of the Manohar
Parrikar-led government constituting dynamic young leaders.
So, it's purely a battle between MGP/INC development v/s Parrikar's four
years of development (24/10/2000 to 24/10/2004). The lotus symbol is
prominent but along-with it comes a faded miniature face-cut of Atal Behari
Vajpayee appearing on the BJP banners. There is no talk of Vajpayee either
and none of the national leaders have indulged in campaigning thus far for
the BJP.
To assuage the fear of the local Cristaos, the BJP cites the case of its
first candidate Francisco D'Souza, MLA of Mapusa and currently the Law
Minister, having won on a BJP ticket in June 2002. The appeal for votes for
Isidore Fernandes is more on his personal charisma and Mr Parrikar's
governance.
The INC candidate, a former sarpanch and MLA for over 10 years, has had a
history of defections and, above all, has been brought back rather
reluctantly from a bout of political hibernation. He presently lives in
Margao, an hour's drive away, to pursue his children's education, on his own
admission.
This is used as a bait by BJP campaigners to spell out the "bankruptcy" in
the INC and its lack of good candidates. Mr Acharya incidentally was an MGP
MLA earlier. The Alemao brothers -- MLA Joaquim and MP Churchill -- do most
of the campaigning with Youth Congress leader Vijay Sardessai as their Man
Friday. Cashew-nut king Harish Zantye appeals to his caste brethren and the
Velips who help collect cashew-nuts from the local forest.
For once we see the INC and Nationalist Congress Party sharing a dias. There
is a little-but-vocal group the Lok Shakti, mainly a two man party of
businessman-campaigner Datta Naik and former Mormugao Port Trust chairman
Arvind Bhatikar (IAS), which has lent support to the INC candidate. Besides,
the Goa Suraj Party has also made supportive appeals in the print media.
Dr Wilfred De Souza of National Congress Party and Dr Kashinath Jhalmi of
the MGP have all lent support to INC candidate. Their semblance of physical
unity at electioneering time makes them a subject of ridicule as otherwise
they tear apart each other post elections.
BJP's minister Atanasio Monserrate Taleigao MLA has been overseeing the
campaign of Isidore, with a bout of new confidence after his success in the
Taleigao village panchayat elections where his hand-picked outfit won a
convincing majority with wife in tow. The Poinguinim elections appears
peanuts to Mr Monserrate's organisational capabilities.
The UGDP is a divided force: ex-MLA of Loutolim and advocate
Radharao Gracias regales the audience with his hilarious one-liners.
He is supporting Isidore Fernandes. He approves of Isidore's
decision to resign and change parties. Next he assuages the Cristaos
not to worry about the BJP in Goa. To make a point he states that
in Goa there are 28% Catholics. Then, he goes on to suggest, the
present four Cristao ministers -- Babush Monseratte (UGDP/BJP) of
Taleigao, Francisco D Souza (BJP Mapusa), Mathany Saldhana (UGDP
Cortalim) and Filipe Neri Rodrigues (Ind) Velim together with the
fifth one "soon to come" Isidore Fernandes whom he sees as the
MLA-elect BJP Poinguinim are more than adequate to represent the
interests of Cristaos in the cabinet of 12 Ministers.
There is a slight hint in his blunt rhethorics that at the next hustings in
May/June 2007, the Cristao ministers may see reason in contesting on the
United Goans Democratic Party as the party protecting the ideologies of the
Cristao Goencars and relegating the ever-squabbling INC seasoned MLAs into
limbo. This ironically is the feelings of other INC supporters in Goa. With
the delimitation of constituencies, this is also the last election for
Poinguinim, as the next time round this assembly segment will be merged into
Canacona constituency. Therefore the sitting Canacona MLA Vijay Pai Khot, a
BJP candidate, is moving alongside Isidore to consolidate his vote bank for
the final kill in June 2007.
The views of the voters are collated for the sake of brevity.
On the first issue, yes, the Parrikar-led Government can be relied upon to
carry out development. People cite the instance of the state of art Canacona
bus stand inaugurated recently which is a cynosure of all eyes. Only locals
man the various activities at the bus stand. The near-completion of hospital
at Canacona to take care of dialysis required for renal failure and other
water-borne complication will not necessitate the villagers to go to
Bambolim. Self-help groups provide sustainable self employment. Then,
there's the constitution of a committee to look into the rehabilitation
programme of Cotigao villagers.
The recognition of tribals and setting up of a Finance Corporation for them
is appreciated too. Only the Dhangars deserve justice, locals say. The
technicalities need to be settled and Dhangars qualified as STs. These
instances are quoted as INC and MGP failed miserably during their terms of
over 17 and 19 years in power respectively.
Voters say, "We gave them MLAs, MPs and ministers but all let us down."
The proposed bridge across Galgibag and Talpona rivers is a dilemma for all
political parties. No doubt a bridge, 1 km in length, would solve many
transportation problem of people of Galgibag and Talpona and other areas. It
will also reduce the distance presently along the NH 17 from Mashem-Loliem
to Canacona by 12 kms.
But these bridges do not fall along the route of the NH 17 and hence it is
for the State Government to finance them. Or the money has to come from the
members of Parliament two crore funds. But what happens to business activity
along the present NH route? It would amount to robbing Peter to pay Paul. So
promises notwithstanding, and fear of alienating one section of voters to
woo another, Mr Parrikar offered an unqualified assurance that come 26
January 2005 the foundation for the bridges will be laid and completion
expected in a year or two.
Canacona's industrial estate is expected and assurances on a new power line
avoiding the forest areas will be in place and work is already underway.
The Cyberage scheme of giving computers to college students, the Kamedhenu
scheme, the marketing facilities for horticulture and the Rs 525 monthly
pension to destitutes are instances cited. In fact the voters place more
confidence on Parrikar's government. There is no doubt that Mr Parrikar has
paid the highest number of visits to Canacona taluka and he means business
and straight talk.
But voters are divided on whether the resignation was necessitated, given
that just two and half years have passed since the last election. There is
also a eerie silence on the real circumstances of the resignations. Yes
"development" could be an alibi -- today, development is the topmost in the
minds of voters. If this resignation can bring about a better tomorrow
nothing like it. As regards similar other resignation to boost the strength
of the ruling dispensation, voters tend to say there may be no cause for
such resignations. Hence, no fear of instability.
Most voters are unanimous of the fact that Isidore is indeed a workaholic,
and he is a field man. On his own admission, he has done errands since
childhood. He has admitted to being a vagabond and done everything one could
imagine of a street smart person. Above all, he believes in creating wealth
and parting with it too for the less fortunate. Against this background, INC
candidate Jagdish Acharya, say some voters we met, faces the disadvantage of
being pulled out from political hibernation. If the lethargy in contesting
was visible on Day One, how could he be effective once elected Moreover the
numbers in the Opposition are far less than the half way mark of 21 in the
Goa assembly. Worse, even in this precarious scenario, the INC has yet not
been bold to spell out their probable CM and team of twelve ministers if the
INC candidate wins and a new configuration does come in place. Mere "wait
and see" answers are not taken to kindly by the voters. Even the INC voters
are agreed on this weak point of the INC MLAs. The fear of instability of
the 'nineties is too grim. Hence, Isidore, they say, is a better horse to
back.
The Hindutva and Secular cards do not have much takers. Even the Church has
been silent in this bye elections. Many Cristaos are confided that Mr
Parrikar is definitely a better CM that we have seen and what he has done
for four years is reason enough to believe in his statesmanship and
foresight. Given a comfortable majority, he would be able to divert his
energies fully towards development, rather than having to pay attention to
the manoeuvres of his MLAs and the Opposition. Hence a vote for him is a
must, they say.
But there is an underlying remote fear as well. Would the Cristao vote for
the Bharatiya Janata Party which has done so much harm to the Catholic
religious -- including the nuns? Will a vote provide them in the BJP a
handle to ride roughshod over the Cristaos? The abolition and restoration of
the Good Friday public holiday, the burning of the Sanguem church door.
These are instances on the back of some minds. Will it not consolidate the
Hindu vote and relegate us to second class citizens, they ask. Yes for
Cristaos "development is important but not over my dead body", as some say,
and assure that they would rather stay away from voting rather than allow
the lotus to bloom. But this is a thought paid attention to by a miniscule
few. Infact they argue that such threats by the BJP will only consolidate
the Cristaos, who are otherwise known to run down their own numbers.
It is therefore clear that unless some developments of an unsavoury nature
takes place from 1700 hrs on October 11 to polling day at 0800 hrs on
October 13, the BJP candidate Isidore Fernandes has a clear edge over the
INC candidate Mr Jagdish Acharya. It will then be a hat trick for Mr Isidore
Fernandes and he may have the singular distinction of not only being the
first sitting MLA to resign, change parties, and seek re-election but also
the first to win as an Independent, then as candidate of INC and now at this
election as a candidate of BJP placing personal charisma over party
ideology.
Interestingly it may be noted that Isidore is a resident of St Inez and was
ex-councillor of then Panaji Municipal council before he contested from
Poinguinim after statehood. He is a native of Poinguinim though.
>From the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
GODFREY J I GONSALVES
Borda Margao Goa
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