Goa government had declared May 10 a paid holiday for all electors from Karnataka in view of the state elections there. It is learnt that those working in government departments, industry and private establishments could avail of this leave. Industries in Goa have reportedly deplored this move by the state government. However this move raises some pertinent questions and sets a bad precedent. Will Goa declare a paid holiday for those from other states in the country working in Goa when elections are held in their respective states? People from Karnataka are also working in other states in the country. Have these states also declared a paid holiday for these workers from Karnataka? Will Goans working in other states be given the same benefit when the Goa state assembly elections are being held? These voters from Karnataka could also be possessing dual voter ID cards so that they can vote both in Goa and in their home state. These migrants could be exercising their franchise in both the states and hence political parties in the state could consider them as their vote bank and appease them.
