MAPUSA
In a rare move within the ruling benches, the MLA couple from the coastal belt, Michael and Delilah Lobo, on Tuesday openly condemned the assault on social activist Rama Kankonkar, calling it a dangerous sign of “goondagiri” creeping into Goa’s political landscape.
Their outburst stands in stark contrast to the silence of their cabinet colleagues and ruling MLAs, even as social media and Opposition leaders openly suggest that a minister may have been behind the incident.
Kankonkar, who was beaten and humiliated by being smeared with cow dung for his outspoken criticism, has become a symbol of growing intolerance against dissent in Goa.
The Opposition has stopped short of naming names, but has dropped enough hints to point towards a minister.
Michael Lobo minced no words, warning that the government cannot allow gangs and “goondagiri” to thrive under its watch.
“Goondagiri shouldn’t be tolerated and we have said this clearly. The government has 28 MLAs plus 5 supporting, so there shouldn’t be any issue in putting such elements in their place,” he said.
Lobo alleged that some of the accused were also involved in a previous assault on the former Mandrem sarpanch and accused them of trying to prove they are “above the law” because they enjoy protection.
Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo described the assault as a direct attack on democracy.
“It’s very wrong what has happened. To hit someone and smear him with cow dung just because he spoke against somebody is not acceptable in our peace-loving Goa. If you want to counter someone, use words, not violence,” she said, urging Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to probe the roots of the conspiracy and act without fear or favour.
She added: “In a democracy, whether ruling or Opposition, everybody has a voice. Silencing dissent through attacks is not the way forward.”
Incidentally, Santa Cruz MLA Rudolf Fernandes of the BJP and Independent MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, who is supporting the government, have also condemned the attack on the activist.
What gives the matter a sharper political edge is the fact that the Lobos have been outspoken on the issue so far, at a time when murmurs are growing that a minister may have been behind the attack.
Opposition leaders, without naming names, have pointedly hinted at the involvement of a minister, a speculation that has gained momentum on social media where the silence of most ruling legislators is being seen as “tactical.”
Among the Opposition, AAP Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas and Congress Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira have publicly suggested that a minister may be involved in orchestrating the attack and called for his dismissal from the government.
The coming days are likely to test the government’s resolve, with the demand for action against the perpetrators now carrying a political dimension that could widen fissures within the ruling dispensation.
