It is disappointing that Goa’s own elected representatives in Parliament continue to remain muted on issues that directly affect the state, even as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has once again taken the lead in voicing Goa-centric concerns on the national stage. TMC MP Derek O’Brien recently highlighted two critical matters”the mounting hardships faced by the fishing community and the escalating threats to Goa’s fragile ecology. His warning that unchecked urbanisation could transform Goa into a “concrete jungle” echoes the fears of many Goans. What is troubling is the growing perception that Goa’s MPs in Parliament are not present for Goa. Despite holding office, their interventions on key state issues remain minimal, leaving it to an outside party to articulate the anxieties of Goans. This is not the first time O’Brien has raised Goa-related matters. Goa is grappling with coastal degradation, declining fish stocks, rampant land conversions, and increasing pressure on its limited resources. These are not peripheral concerns”they strike at the heart of Goa’s livelihood, culture, and long-term sustainability. When local MPs fail to speak up, it sends a troubling message about priorities and accountability.
