The reported news that Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai had on March 10 telephonically called a ruling BJP candidate to congratulate him on his victory is a matter of concern. If true, it was a very unacceptable and improper act by Governor Pillai. Something unheard of. It would have been a different situation if the Governor had called up all the 40 elected to applaud them and even possibly condoled and consoled the losing candidates too. As custodian of the State, the Governor must in all his acts and deeds be absolutely non-partisan while not demonstrating even the faintest sign of having breached the established protocol which he needs to strictly uphold at all times. If all this is true, the Raj Bhavan needs to clarify and set the record right.
Last October, Governor Pillai graciously announced that the Goa Raj Bhavan will start adhering to the RTI Act. The Governor must ensure that this lifting of veil of secrecy is done in letter and spirit and is not confined to paper.
