BJP MLA Michael Lobo has once again taken a stance that puts him at odds with his own party’s policies.
Photo Credits: The Goan/File photo
MAPUSA
The State Assembly elections may still be two years away, but political manoeuvring within the ruling dispensation has already begun.
Among the prominent voices emerging from within the BJP is that of Michael Lobo, the outspoken MLA from Calangute. His recent statements and actions suggest a strategic attempt to carve out a distinct political identity, even while remaining a part of the government.
Lobo has developed a reputation for questioning his own party’s policies, and his latest stance on the taxi aggregator issue exemplifies this approach. His latest move involves backing local taxi operators while opposing the presence of taxi aggregators – an issue that has long been contentious in the State.
The government has consistently supported technology-driven aggregator services to modernise the transport sector, a stance that local taxi operators vehemently resist.
The timing of Lobo’s statements is notable, given the upcoming zilla panchayat elections in November, followed by civic polls and, ultimately, the State Assembly elections in 2027. The coastal belt, where Lobo enjoys considerable influence, has a significant number of taxi operators who form a crucial vote bank.
By aligning himself with their concerns, Lobo is strategically positioning himself ahead of these crucial elections. His public stance became evident when Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited Calangute recently.
Seizing the opportunity, Lobo raised the issue of taxi operators, emphasising their significance to Goa’s local economy.
“The taxi business is one of the few enterprises still controlled by Goans and it must remain that way. We have to support local taxi operators and prevent aggregators from entering hotels along the coast,” he declared.
This stance puts him at odds with the government’s broader policy of integrating technology into the transport sector. While the administration has maintained a pro-aggregator stance to address transportation challenges, Lobo’s resistance signals a brewing conflict within the party.
Beyond the taxi issue, Lobo stirred further controversy by calling for a shift in the medium of instruction (MoI) policy in government schools from regional languages to English. He argued that the declining enrolment in government primary schools – many of which are shutting down – is due to their instruction being in Konkani and Marathi.
“Goans prefer to send their children to English-medium schools and as a result, government school enrolments are dwindling,” Lobo stated during an event marking the birth anniversary of Goa’s first Chief Minister, Dayanand Bandodkar. He suggested that to preserve Bandodkar’s legacy of promoting education, the government should transition to English as the primary medium of instruction. Chief Minister Sawant quickly countered Lobo’s assertion, reaffirming that the government’s policy on MoI remains unchanged.
While Lobo stops short of outright rebellion, his strategic positioning is apparent. By championing populist causes, he is subtly signalling his independent political ambitions. His actions suggest an attempt to read the political winds and position himself accordingly.
Whether this is a precursor to a larger shift within the BJP or an individual effort to fortify his political base, Lobo’s statements hint at undercurrents of dissent that could shape the political landscape in the months to come.
