The State government's decision to bring about an ordinance to hold elections to chairpersons of municipal councils by show of hands raises serious questions about the motive, timing and the fallout on Goa's political landscape. Understandably, it is a matter of embarrassment for the BJP because they have the numbers on paper but are unsure of their votes adding up. The ordinance exposes the BJP's lack of confidence in its men and highlights their desperation for power over the municipality. Also, the party is trying to mask the discord simmering in the background and move forward.
The government is well within its rights to bring about ordinances, and there is no stopping when there's hardly any opposition to question them. However, when one sees ordinances through a prism of fair democracy and ponders over morality, welfare and egos, such decisions appear sinister because these are seen as attempts to circumvent a set norm in achieving political objectives. Historically, elections of chairpersons and sarpanchas have been held through secret ballot. It's a convention that has never been questioned or challenged. Digambar Kamat held sway over the municipality for over a decade, and every single time the elections to the chairpersons were held via secret ballot. No questions asked.
The BJP, through the ordinance route, is only trying to pursue its political goals. But, in the process, it sets a new template for Margao and all local bodies across Goa. Trying to interpret the word "ballot" in the municipality law in a way that suits them, the government is forcing a change. There are political agendas and interests at play.
What is disturbing is that the government advocate, while arguing a petition seeking clarity on the procedure last month-end, had assured the high court that the elections to the municipal chairpersons would be held as per the rules under secret ballot. Yet, a week later, the government flip-flops and attempts to bulldoze its way against the assurances given to the court by using its legislative powers.
This ordinance amplifies Margao's significance for the BJP. Despite the numbers, the BJP has already faced an embarrassment after their candidate lost to the Goa Forward-backed nominee Ganashyam Shirodkar. The ordinance comes against fears of cross-voting again; hence, the BJP is not taking any chances and seeks to insulate itself.
Such manipulative politics must stop, and all political parties involved in local body elections must respect the rights and sentiments of elected representatives. The BJP must deal with the lack of confidence within the team. It is for them to troubleshoot issues of insubordination or defiance. Tweaking laws to suit political agendas speaks poorly of democracy and our system.
Governor Sreedharan Pillai, who has been a strong proponent of people's welfare and democratic values, must reject such doggy decisions and decline his assent to this ordinance because this will set a dangerous trend in Goan politics.
