Recently, while speaking in the Goa Assembly, CM Pramod Sawant spoke at length about how the former Portuguese rulers committed serious atrocities against Goans and built grand structures in the state for their own benefit during colonial rule. If Sawant has such strong dislike for these Portuguese-built structures, why does his government continue using their images and replicas to promote Goa as a top tourist destination? Also, isn’t his own government constructing massive structures across the state, paving the way for outsiders to settle in large numbers and permanently alter Goa’s unique identity? Isn’t this, too, a serious injustice against Goans? Instead of diverting attention by selectively criticising former Portuguese rulers, CM Sawant should first explain what his government is actually doing for the state. He must also clarify why his government is allowing non-Goan right-wing groups to take shelter in Goa and disrupt its communal harmony. By now, most Goans are well aware of what happened in the past and who is truly benefitting from the present. Viva Goa, Viva Goenkaar!
