Whom to choose?
A closer look at the mood of the people suggests that choosing whom to vote is not going to be an easy task like the last elections in 2012. At that time voters’ minds were made well in advance. Out with the inefficient Congress Party and in with Parrikar led BJP. However things have not turned out as people had expected. So what is choice before the voters in 2017?
APP has all the ammunition to defeat BJP except a list of credible candidates whom the Goan electorate can trust. Then there is the newly formed Goa Forward Party, backed by independent MLAs, who want to cash in on the shortcomings of national parties and their inability to effectively administer on account of their High Commands being based in Delhi. So are some other local parties who feel that they too can mitigate the needs and aspirations of Goan electorate if they are voted to power. However at the moment as things stand there situation is very fluid and full of uncertainties.
Antonio Diniz, Fatorda
Water transport
The Mandovi and the Zuari rivers, as well as the Sal, should be treated as more than just waterways for transporting ore or anchoring casinos. They can be treated as travel routes. Why is it not possible to travel from Panaji to Aldona, for instance via the waterways. All one needs is boats that are fast but reliable at the same time. Now that the rivers are being dredged, there will be good scope to expand the potential of these rivers. The waters are certainly navigable and there are boats available that can make the journey. Even the Divar/Chorao to Ribandar, and the Betim to Panaji short routes can be optimised so as to carry passengers quicker than before. This will also make for more employment opportunities in the department of waterways. With the rivers being made into national waterways now, the scope is tremendous but this will all be controlled from the centre. The State government should have realized the potential a long time ago.
Sanjay Naik, Mapusa
Not a scam
The medical insurance scheme is good for Goa and Goans yet there are people turning this into a political issue and claiming that this is all a scam. It is interesting to note that the seeds for this scheme were sown before the BJP even came into power in 2012. They did adapt and tinker with the scheme, making many improvements. But now that they stand to gain political mileage from it, there are rumours of a scam being floated. The BJP has not done much to help Goa in the last four years and do not deserve to come to power for a second term based on their poor record of bad governance and decisions like not working towards a new Zuari bridge, improving the transport system and the tourism industry. But they have done a few things right, just as any political party does when the elections are around the corner. The medical scheme should be utilized by every Goan. Let’s not make it political.
Amey Kurtakar, Margao
