MAPUSA
As the Lok Sabha election campaign gains momentum in North Goa, a notable trend emerges – the electorate's skepticism and preference for silence.
Despite the fervent efforts of candidates, the prevailing atmosphere of discouragement among voters remains palpable.
In contrast to the vibrant campaigning scene, characterized by corner meetings and temple visits, the mood on the ground suggests a significant degree of apathy among voters.
Except for the party karyakartas, a common voter seems inclined to withhold their opinions, reflecting a sense of disillusionment with the political process.
One striking observation is the absence of fresh faces in the candidate line-up in North Goa as opposed to South Goa.
Both the major national parties have fielded familiar, experienced candidates in North Goa, depriving voters of the opportunity of a new face.
Moreover, the campaign narrative has largely focused on rebuttals, lacking in innovative policies or fresh perspectives. This dearth of novel ideas has left voters dissatisfied, craving substantive proposals from the contesting parties.
In Bardez taluka, the largest in North Goa, besides the Bahujans, the Maratha and Christian communities wield considerable influence and the fragmentation of votes across various parties adds complexity to the electoral landscape.
Despite the potential for these communities to sway the outcome, their preferences remain opaque, with some opting to remain silent.
The key contenders in the North Goa constituency – Union Minister Shripad Naik of the BJP, Ramakant Khalap of the Congress, and Manoj Parab of the Revolutionary Goans Party – have embarked on intensive campaigning strategies.
While Naik and Khalap have completed the initial phase of their outreach activities, Parab stands out for his distinct approach.
Naik and Khalap have prioritized corner meetings, religious visits, and targeted voter interactions, demonstrating proactive engagement with constituents.
Meanwhile, the Revolutionary Goans Party has opted for a more localized campaign, focusing on specific constituencies and grassroots mobilization.
However, despite these efforts, voter response remains lukewarm, with a prevailing sense of disillusionment overshadowing the campaign trail.
The reluctance of voters to actively engage contrasts starkly with the enthusiasm of party workers, highlighting a growing disconnect between the electorate and political establishments.
“There's a noticeable shift against BJP's Shripad Naik, who's contesting for the sixth consecutive time. People are growing weary, and behind the scenes, local leaders at the panchayat level are quietly mobilizing for change, potentially favouring the Opposition,” said Robert Colaco, a resident of Tivim and a keen political observer.
Premand Diukar, a resident of Calangute, seconds him.
“People are scared to express their views. But the silent vote is going to play a big role in this election and it is going to be against the establishment,” Diukar said.
As the campaign progresses, anticipation mounts for the arrival of national leaders, expected to inject fresh energy into the electoral arena.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in South Goa on Saturday once again underscores the BJP's proactive stance, positioning the party ahead of its rivals in terms of mobilization and outreach efforts.
Yet, amidst the flurry of activities and high-profile appearances, the overarching sentiment among North Goan voters remains one of skepticism and reticence, signalling a challenging road ahead for candidates vying for their support.
