The state government appears to have drawn political fault lines over the state's developmental agenda through its decision to prioritize ruling party MLAs while sanctioning developmental funds worth
Rs 25 crores.
Over the last week, ruling party MLAs have rejoiced, coalition partners have spoken longingly about what they would have done had they been in the opposition and the opposition has grumbled within its private circles.
The only MLA who has wisely chosen to make hay while the sun shines is Nationalist Congress Party MLA of Benaulim, Churchill Alemao. "I am neither supporting nor opposing the coalition government. I have adopted a middle path to get developmental projects for Benaulim constituency," he told the media. Churchill not only ensured that his constituency didn't miss out on growth owing to his political gimmicks but he also began to chalk out a plan to utilize this expected sum. Churchill convened a meeting of Salcete's coastal sarpanchas to deliberate on the utilization of Rs 25 crores for developmental projects. Being out of power for a whole five-year term evidently teaches one a lot.
As opposed to this, the combined might of 16 Congress MLAs has failed to learn from the party's past mistakes. The intentions behind the government's announcement, that a separate meeting would be convened to discuss development works in constituencies represented by the Opposition, are clear as daylight. However, considering the number of veterans within the Congress Legislative Party, it is shocking to observe that the CLP has yet to chalk out a political table-turner.
Moreover, if the lone NCP MLA can seek out a middle ground, one is forced to question what stops the Congress from utilizing the bargaining power of 16 for the betterment of half of Goa that it represents.
On the other hand, it must also be pointed out that the talk of mine and thine, suited as it may be to active politics, is entirely inappropriate in reference to the administrative and developmental aspects of the state.
Prioritising a constituency based on the political affiliation of its MLA is something which is usually done in a subtle manner. This is a known and digested fact. But by almost giving this practice the status of procedure, political force presently at the helm has embarked on a dangerously edgy game with the public psyche.
Making funds available for the development of all 40 constituencies is the duty of any government. Similarly, sacrificing the developmental agenda at the altar of political ego is a sin for the opposition.
It is high time that the two sides of Goa's democracy acknowledge that although it may be impossible for them to come to a meeting point politically, collaborating in a harmonious manner becomes imperative if their common goal is development of Goans.
