Another election looms on Goa, this one on the rural populace of the State, an election that provides yet another opportunity for citizens to set a strong foundation for the grass root bodies. There may be insignificant devolution of powers to these local bodies, but the charged-up election environment shows how crucial these elections are. Panchayats are local instruments of the social and economic progress of villages. They personify people's authority and form the heart of village governance around which people’s welfare revolves.
The panchayat election provides another platform for the people of rural Goa to come forward and give a decisive mandate. Against the backdrop of what has been witnessed post the Assembly elections where vows against defection taken before Gods were rendered meaningless, and a betrayal of public trust and disrespect to the ballot loomed once again, here comes a moment to make another beginning.
This panchayat election has seen mainstream political forces, ministers, legislators and senior political leaders indulge in active campaigning, going door-to-door and influencing voters. There is strange reasoning put forth that the ward member elected should be in sync with the vision of the local MLA for seamless development.
Despite elections being not contested on party lines, a conscious attempt is being made to give political colour to an election that ideally should have been bereft of any such affiliations. Unfortunately, the turf has been muddied with candidates of all hues blurring the purpose and objectives of grass-root bodies. Political forces are active because they want to remain relevant among people in constituencies and secure their vote banks.
Panchayat elections have evolved over the past few decades. From a time when there were several consensus candidates and many mutual choices, we have come a long way. Panchayat elections are now fiercely contested with discord and rivalries disrupting peace within ward groups and even families. The hunger for power and authority has sunk deep down the village bodies that administrative and leadership skills have become inconsequential.
If Goa has to undergo a mindset change, it has to begin at the grassroots. The panchayat election is here, and the ball is in the court of the voter. It’s time to reach out to each one's conscience before casting the ballot. While you step out to vote, leave aside all the leanings, obligations, compulsions and personal equations. Do not be influenced by material favours or humongous and illusionary promises. We had enough of those at the Assembly elections.
Let the most deserving candidate get your vote in the interest, welfare and development of your village. Let your vote not be payback for friendships or an endorsement of the powers in your village. The history of previous representatives does not matter if performance is not reflected. Let your vote be for the one who could stand the test of time no matter which direction the political currents flow, an individual who could show an unflinching commitment to his fellow villagers and the ward he represents, an individual who upholds service and delivery. That's your candidate. Your time is now.
