Today we are celebrating the 57th anniversary of the Opinion Poll which voted for Goa, Daman and Diu to remain a separate entity in the first and only referendum in free India and a projection of this Opinion Poll could be done on to the national scene this year which is going to the polls in late April most probably. It may be recalled that the pro-merger forces had a majority in the Legislative Assembly but in the people's court, the Opposition went on to win by a margin of 34,021 votes. The Opposition INDIA is in a similar situation with respect to the ruling NDA. In fact it would be right that the INDIA alliance has a greater support base in India and could topple the NDA from power if all the 26 constituents are united despite ideological differences. If they stick together history can be made and the necessary change that a vibrant and pulsating democracy is in need of can happen. A galaxy of opposition leaders could come together to provide a much needed alternative which could become the shield of the secular fabric of the Constitution. Realistically such a change can happen and a secular India would be more acceptable in the international comity of nations. The INDIA alliance has the chance of their lives to set up an alternative if they navigate with caution and prudence.
