The BJP dominated the Zilla Panchayat elections in both North and South, virtually decimating all Opposition parties and proving pundits wrong that an anti-government wave would floor the saffron party. While the victory of the BJP stands out against the wave of resentment, but in no way establishes that it is a referendum against protests, despite winning in Guirdolim and Davorlim which were at the epicentre of the double-tracking agitation. The BJP benefitted immensely out of a vertical split in the secular votes in these areas while at the same time managing to retain its voter base.
BJP President Sadanand Tanavade’s assertion that the mandate is people’s answer to anti-projects agitations is ill-founded because the party did not go to polls seeking a referendum on those lines. The result by no means endorses government’s decision neither signals an end to protests. It would be premature to draw linkages and assume all has ended well. The BJP deserves credit for the victory, but the fact that a weak opposition made it much easier cannot be discounted.
Congress’ pathetic performance reflects people’s lack of confidence in party leaders. It is established that rural Goa is not ready to accept the party as the principal opposition, not any more. The losses in their once-proclaimed strongholds in Salcete, despite the pitch the party raised, are clear signs that the party is in doldrums and needs a complete revamp. The decision to jump into the election fray on party banner was hollow and without any groundwork. The over-confidence exuded on the eve of the results only goes to show how disconnected the party leaders are with the workers.
Moreover, must against the theory that the Congress breakaway MLAs will face a backlash, the results proved otherwise. The election established the fact that, majority of the leaders, including Quepem MLA Chandrakant Babu Kavlekar and the Valpoi MLA, continued to enjoy the clout they have in respective constituencies, irrespective of the issues at hand. Lest we forget, a few days back BJP MLAs were facing the heat over projects, and Melaulim was erupting over IIT.
Between triumph and humiliation, new entrant and a resurgent Aam Aadmi Party made their presence felt and have set the ball rolling. They opened their account winning the Benaulim seat, came close in a few other constituencies and also snatched a big vote share from rival Congress. The solitary win which came against seasoned opponents, coupled with the votes polled in even remote areas, will come as a big boost for the party.
While the pulse of rural Goa was felt, these elections proved to be a battleground from political heavyweights to flex muscle and test their strength. Leaders like Michael Lobo and Independent Rohan Khaunte had a lot to prove amid a dynamic political landscape. The Zilla Panchayat election may not be a barometer to gauge the success or failures of legislators per se, but it certainly was a crucial test of strength for all.
