BJP leaders standing up against own party on issues has been the trend in recent times, giving a broad indication that decisions of the government could face roadblocks from within, leave alone the Opposition. Union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik led a delegation comprising villagers of Old Goa and members of Goencho Nagrik Monch into submitting a written representation to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant against the proposed Bainguinim garbage treatment plant is the latest case.
Much against the State government's insistence to proceed with the project with tendering of work and promises to put systems in place including scientifically treating waste without any environmental hazards, several questions that have remained unanswered. Concerns have been raised over the size of the facility, creation of a buffer zone and the permission granted to series of projects and constructions, including residential areas, within 100 to 500 metres of the proposed treatment plant. Shripad is the second BJP member after Cumbarjua constituency to take up cudgels against the government on the Bainguinim plant.
In Cansaulim, another BJP legislator, Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha, while paying tributes to her husband Matanhy Saldanha on his 72nd birth anniversary, gave a clarion call to people to fight against, what she labelled as 'three destructive projects' lined up in the State. Alina pledged to fight against the South Western Railway double-tracking between Vasco and Hospet, expansion of National Highway 4A and the high tension power transmission line through wildlife sanctuary of the Western Ghats.
These are not encouraging signs for a government who swears by development but ignores voices, including those of its MLAs and ministers. Discarding opposition voices as the handiwork of a few anti-development activists could be a face-saving strategy especially when protests and agitations are gaining momentum across the State, but how does the government respond when its MLAs are crossing swords with the powers that be?
On the flip side, Alina, Madkaikar and a few others find themselves in a piquant situation. The protests have gained so much traction that it leaves no scope for them to back the government against the controversial projects. That could be suicidal for their political careers.
A political churn has already begun with former leaders seeking realignments in a bid to take a fresh guard. Political parties have started chalking out strategies despite the elections being nearly a year and a half away. The current unrest gives a perfect opportunity for Opposition parties, including the regional ones to consolidate using this resentment against the government. Former BJP legislator from Thivim, Kiran Kandolkar and other grass-root workers are repositioning themselves, and these moves don't augur well for the saffron brigade either.
Besides the protests over the three Mollem projects, the government is also facing agitations on IIT at Sattari and the Mopa land issue. The atmosphere currently is not favourable to the BJP-led dispensation and justifying these projects even with a white-paper detailing on various aspects is not going to bring about a change.
The government finds itself on a very sticky wicket, and it will have to either go with the people or face their wrath.
