the goan I network
PANAJI
Calangute may be a rich constituency thanks to tourism, but its infrastructure had crippled in 2012. Sitting MLA from BJP Michael Lobo has undertaken development projects like road widening, sewage pipelines, parking lot at Baga among others. This has improved the situation in Calangute, but a lot more improvement is required.
A shop-owner from Khobra Vaddo said, “I think people in Hindu community are going to vote for development and not for the perception of BJP as a Hindu party.”
This comment was corroborated by a number of people in other parts of Calangute like Naika Vaddo, Gaura Vaddo and Tivai Vaddo as well.
A source from Gaura Vaddo said, “The kind of Hinduism we have in Goa is very mild. Therefore, people are not likely to vote on religious lines. Current MLA got the road in front of a temple repaired in Ximer, where water-logging used to happen earlier. Such work has remained in the minds of people.”
Most people from Hindu community in Calangute are overwhelmingly focusing on development while voting. But, a number of people from Catholic faith are irked at BJP due to issues like beef and medium of instruction (MoI) and such factors may play a part while voting.
Interestingly, even such voters acknowledged the development works undertaken by Lobo.
A certain section of voters perceive Congress candidate Joseph Sequeira as helpful, which in a way makes him pro development too.
Calangute’s panchayat has more or less remained in Sequeira’s control for many years now.
A woman, who owns a shop in Naika Vaddo, said “I have never had a problem with panchayat when I go to them to renew the shop license.”
Sometime back, an issue of illegal structures being constructed within buffer zone of Hindu crematorium in Khobra Vaddo had angered people from Hindu community. But, subsequently, these structures were demolished.
A person from Khobra Vaddo, who did not wish to be named, said, “This issue has been sorted. And, Hindus are no longer angry over this.”
