ACCEPTING THE CHALLENGE FOR DEBATE The power ministers of Goa and Delhi agreed for debate, a refreshing change in attempting to enlighten the citizen on how they propose to help improve the power situation in Goa. Although it is reported that the debate was high on politics and low on cogent arguments on technical and financial issues involved, it set a very healthy trend which politicians need to encourage! Perhaps had there been a good anchor and public broadcast there would have been more zing to the debate. It is disturbing to read reports like AAPs Valmiki not permitted by police to personally hand over some papers to the Delhi power minister at site of debate and he had to hand it over to police to deliver. However the debate was civil and decent and the incumbants need to be congratulated! Will this healthy democratic trend be emulated by our elected representatives? This is in marked contrast to Parliament refusing to even consider the Pegasus snoopgate for discussion leave alone confirm they have not purchased the software and authorised its illegal use for surveilance on its own citizens, which is a crime! The Bengal government has initiated an inquiry committee with an outstanding judge a chairman. There are PILs in the Supreme Court which will change the fate of our countrymen if it either backs the Bengal probe by giving it more teeth or initiates an inquiry itself as government seems to be blocking all moves of a combined opposition and reportedly majority BJP members ganging to remove Sashi Taroor as Chairman of the Parliamentary Data Protection Bill Committee trying to enquire into Pagasus matter. Ignoring this is an extremely dangerous national and personal security matter!
