On the birth anniversary of Manohar Parrikar, leaders paid rich tributes to the former chief minister, remembering him for the vision he had for Goa and the legacy he left behind. Politicos hailed his decision-making and leadership qualities while recalling some of his achievements that many take pride in.
While the spotlight was on Parrikar with politicos recalling vivid memories from the past, a section of leaders has misconstrued the term 'legacy' while trying to superimpose it on the current template. Parrikar's legacy is given a deft political spin by highlighting contrasts in his leadership and of the current Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
The former CM undoubtedly has set a benchmark with effective decision-making, pursing infrastructural development, and making forays in science, technology and innovation. From State-of-the-art Saligao Garbage Treatment Plant to the network of bridges and other developmental projects, not forgetting his concept of IFFI and other initiatives that were focused on taking Goa forward, have the Parrikar watermark etched on them. The question is while leaders recall achievements of Parrikar, they seem to have failed to introspect on their own failures.
Parrikar never had smooth sailing. He too faced some fiery issues like River Nationalisation, Mhadei Water Sharing with Karnataka, IIT and even coal expansion. He too faced public fury and agitations but has nonetheless managed to wade through turbulent phases. The coalition government of 2017 was pieced together with Parrikar as the centrifugal force.
He may have set a benchmark for successive chief ministers, but that cannot be used as a standard to write off all other successive leaders who occupy the chair because political equations and compulsions could be different. Goa’s ground situations are dynamic and keep evolving, the contours are constantly changing and history tells us that there are challenges thrown at every turn.
Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha while paying her tributes to the late CM, said Parrikar would have listened to the people of Goa, literally inferring that the current CM is not listening. However, Alina has failed to acknowledge that she too has failed as a member of the BJP. The fact of the matter is double-tracking work of the first phase of the Hospet-Vasco was launched early December 2016 with Kulem-Vasco sector slotted for the second phase. If we may recall the construction of road over-bridges at Majorda, Utorda, Seraulim and Margao on the Konkan Railway section was also launched the same year. A lot has changed over the years, but Alina continues to embrace the BJP while only targeting government leadership.
We recall the final moments of Parrikar and the ‘josh’ he wished to see in people. Today, when the State is going through one of its worst crisis, there won't be a better tribute than people rising to the occasion and saying in one voice “ “the josh is high, sir!
