Even a good four days after the results, the one point that continues to be a topic of bitter discussion is about the split in secular votes and the role of Revolutionary Goans. The party led by Manoj Parab appears to have created a whirlpool in political circles opening up a fierce debate on the impact of RGP on the electoral fortunes of the Congress.
The RGP considered a new kid on the block, and a party largely under-rated in the run-up to the elections, proved to be the surprise package finishing third with a polling percentage of 9.96 per cent, behind BJP (34.14 per cent) and Congress (23.90 per cent). The fact remains that RG has majorly dented the Opposition’s chances by drawing a sizeable vote, but can the party be faulted for this? Did the Congress expect parties to withdraw in its favour? And, can a third finisher be called a “splitter”?
The RGP may be newcomers contesting in a pool of heavyweights, seniors and veteran politicians, but have come out with stellar performances in several constituencies. The party’s vote count in some constituencies has left many stunned and red-faced. It has got a mandate of 2,068 (Navelim), 3358 (Nuvem) 3604 (Velim), 1541 (Fatorda), 3423 (Curtorim) 3,784 (Benaulim), 1574 (Canacona), 4959 (Tivim), 1628 (Taleigao), 3933 (Mayem), 740 (Sanquelim), 2755 (Pernem), 3134 (Siolim), and 1888 (Saligao). This vote has thrown electoral equations haywire in many constituencies.
Against the back of their astounding performance, charges are flying thick and fast against the RGP of being the B team of the BJP with an ambition to push Congress out, besides raising questions over their finances and a host of other issues. These allegations have only amplified after the results and have shaken the ranks of Opposition parties which were till now taking the political space as their fiefdoms.
It is a shame for politicos and their dalals trying to discredit the RGP victory by viewing it through a Congress lens. It’s a disgrace that these leaders and dalals are not ready to see beyond the goalposts of BJP and Congress and are being judgemental of RGP’s success and the 92,454 Goans who voted for them.
The questions that arise are: Why were other parties in the electoral fray who were vying for the secular space not blamed? Is it because they failed to make an impression? Why is the source of RGP finance a post-election issue, and why are other parties not being questioned when crores of money were pumped in trying to literally buy votes even on the day of voting?
Rather, what has to be a concern is the fact that these 92,454 Goans have voted for a party and candidates making a debut, without even looking at winnability or the others in the fray. The RGP has finished third in the election and they have got a vote for a change and that is a huge statement in itself.
Instead of bringing down the effort of the RGP by giving it a BJP hue, parties and their dalals should accept defeats gracefully and in all humility. If RGP has initiated a revolution with home-grown individuals, it has to be welcomed and respected because there are almost a lakh Goans backing them.
Bringing down a party by maligning it, heaping scorn through hate propaganda and making malicious and unjustified allegations only reflects a fear of losing relevance in the changing face of Goan politics.
