Is the government trying to give the ongoing agitation against projects a communal twist? Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has once again stuck to his tough posturing on the three projects -- double-tracking, power transmission line and national highway expansion, indicating that he's not going to budge despite the fierce protests across the State. However, the sharp outburst against Goans settled in London over their protests sends out a signal that the government may opt to give the entire movement an unnecessary communal flavour to bail itself out of the situation.
Asking Goans to be alert to face forces from London is uncalled for because this agitation spans across all religious boundaries and binds all people having the remotest connection to Goa. The defining character of this agitation is Goa's environment, the lives and livelihoods of people. If Goans settled in the UK have taken up protests, it is their sheer love for the State they lived, and for their families which are still very much Goans. The people of Goa have endorsed these voices of support from across the world, and counselling against taking their advice is unwarranted and reflects a devious attempt to communalise the issue.
Sawant must realise that the projects don't have the mandate of the people, a fact which was well established during his recent visit to Cuncolim. Sawant stood in unison with key members of his government -- Dy CM Chandrakant Babu Kavlekar, Velim MLA Filipe Neri Rodrigues and Cuncolim MLA Clafacio Dias. He stoutly defended on how crucial the projects are for Goa and how the double-tracking project is not for coal transportation. He gave a call to people that the three BJP leaders will be part of the next BJP government. It left nobody enthused, and a few hours later, people from three constituencies marched out on the streets in large numbers protesting with black flags virtually rejecting all that the CM had just spoken.
The CM appealed to the protesters to come to the negotiating table and that his government is ready to address all issues. The question here is, why is the double-tracking work being hurried through the back door in midnight darkness when massive protests are happening in the background? If consensus is sought and if the government is honest about addressing concerns of the people, why is the double-tracking work being pushed surreptitiously? If intentions are genuine, there has to be a level playing field, and all works must stop.
Finally, Sawant must do a fact-check on ministers supporting the proposals, rather than making them scapegoats by displaying them on the sidelines of his outreach. Political representatives in affected constituencies not only have lost control over the brewing resentment but also fear that the wheels of this agitation could run over their political careers, now with the elections approaching next year.
If the government feels that this is the development it envisaged, let each MLA come forward and walk the CM's talk. Let each of them tell their constituents to stop protests. Let them vouch that these projects are for the welfare of Goans. Let them come out strongly endorsing the government's stand? If Londonkars are misleading, let the elected representatives lead from the front.
