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CONVENTION OF THE GOAN DIASPORA FROM GOA INTO THE WORLD
Lisbon, Portugal June 15-17, 2007 Details at:
http://www.goacom.org/casa-de-goa/noticias.html
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A clarion call to Salcete Voters
by Wilmix Wilson Mazarello
Each time, the Goa-State-Assembly-Elections are held, it is seen, that in
Government- formation, the scales are turned, this way or that way, by
mainly, the 'Salcete Taluka .
In short, it is the Salcete Taluka, that is responsible for the
development or degeneration of Goa.
Bearing such a big responsibility on its shoulders, one wonders, if the
people of Salcete, sincerely, do justice to the Goan people. Do they really
understand the seriousness of the situation ? Do they really search their
hearts and minds, before they cast their 'vote in favour, of one or the
other candidate ?
On the face of it, it does not look so.
Or else, how is it, then possible, that in so many constituencies of
Salcete, the same candidates get elected, continuosly, again and again, for
the last 20 years? And some, for even 25 years ?
Even the people of the under-developed countries of Africa, will not
believe, that such a thing happens in India, even today. That, in a State
like Goa, where literacy of the people is claimed to be so very high, people
elect the same M.L.A for as long as 25years.
Believe it or not, it happens in Goa.
And the 'Salcete Taluka, is mainly responsible for this happening.
What does this all mean ?
To me, this could all mean just one possibility or a combination of two or
more of the following :-
1. That the people of 'Salcete Taluka are illiterate and do not know what
is politically good for them.
2. That the people of the Salcete Taluka are not bothered as to who, runs
their Government. Any one is ok for them.
3. That the people of 'Salcete Taluka' are too materialistic and can be
purchased for a price.
4. That self-respect means nothing to the people of the Salcete Taluka.
They are ready to trade their self-respect for money, at any given time.
5. That the people of Salcete Taluka' are too timid and afraid of the
Mafia-Type politicians of Salcete.
I myself am, from the Salcete Taluka and I know the people of Salcete, too
well.
None of the five possibilities, enumerated above, are true.
The people of Salcete are highly literate and are fully aware, of what's
good for them. They are very much bothered about who's running their
Government and definitely, want to have a say in choosing their
representatives. They are definitely not materialistic and cannot be
purchased for selfish, material-benefits.
Self-respect means a lot to the people of Salcete. They will not
compromise their self-respect for 'anything.
If this, is the ground-level situation in the Salcete Taluka, then what
else could be the reason, for the people of Salcete to vote for the same
politicians over and over again for the last 25 long years.
Yes, it is probably, possibility number Five ie. that the people of
Salcete are too timid and afraid of the Mafia-Type politicians of Salcete.
It is true that the politicians of Salcete are operating on the same lines
as the Mafia does, in other parts of the world.
If one does not vote for the Dada of their constituency, and if the Dada
comes to know about it, then, may-heaven-help-you . Your life, will be
one-big-misery.
The Dadas henchmen will be following you where ever you go. You could be
beaten -up, beyond recognition, or even, handicapped for life. You will
never get a Municipal-License to build, or renovate your house. Your kith
and kin, will never be able to get a Govt. job. If you go, to the
Government/ Municipality/Panchayat for any license, rest assured, you will
never get it.
With such a fright being sent down to the electorate by these 'Dadas of
Salcete, who would dare go against them ? Who would dare to not vote for
them and invite their wrath ?
If this is the state of affairs in the Salcete Taluka, then how can one,
ever expect any change in the politics of Goa?
I wonder,for how long, will my brothers and sisters of theSalcete Taluka
let these, sorry state of affairs go on ?
For how long, will we remain a timid lot ? For how long will we continue
to surrender, to these Mafia politicians ?
The people of Goa, outside Salcete, continue to laugh at us. They ask, Is
there no one else, in Salcete, to govern their affairs? Where is the Youth
of Salcete ? Will the Youth of Salcete never be allowed, to grow in politics
?
Will Salcete always continue to be a monopoly of these, self-appointed
Dadas ?
Another election, for the new Goa-State-Legislative-Assembly is due very
soon.
Will the people of Salcete Taluka let down, Goa and Goans once again? Will
they continue to be timid and surrender to the same Dadas once again?
Even if these Dadas have the blessings of their High-Commands ?
Let's for once