A sudden spurt of interest has been generated in the upcoming panchayat elections in Goa as a Kannada group from Goa has reportedly announced its decision to contest the elections. It must be said that in a democracy everyone is free to contest the elections from any state provided he/she is a voter in that state. Social media is flooded with several negative comments on the issue. Some say that Goans do not contest the elections in other states. However, no one has stopped them from doing so. In a democracy, it is peoples’ power that reigns supreme. If citizens are against a person from another state contesting in Goa, they can always vote out the candidate by using their franchise. The only point to be looked into is whether the candidate and those voters from other states residing in Goa possess dual voter’s cards, namely, one from their state of origin and the other one obtained from Goa. Those from other states who wish to contest elections in Goa need to first take part in the agitation carried out by Goan activists in order to save Goa from environmental destruction. This will show their true love for Goa. Those from other states desiring to become leaders in Goa need to make their stand known regarding the various issues plaguing our state.
