In thepast Goa has had to face the demon of defection. Several electedrepresentatives switched party loyalty which led to change in government many atime as no party had an absolute majority. Instability was the bane of thegovernment in the past years. Things have changed, but not to a great extent.Now, politicians have resorted to changing party loyalty before theelections.
However,this will not stop them from changing the party again if they are victorious inthe polls. As Goa approaches the assembly elections due on February 14, thestate has a record that should make Goans hang their heads in shame. 67 percent of elected representatives in the 40-member house have switched partyloyalty in the current term. This percentage could rise in the coming days. Itis understood that this “unique record” is unparalleled in India’s democraticsetup according to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
Theworst part is that many of those who have changed their party loyalty neverconsulted their supporters and have now resorted to damage control. This is aclear disrespect to the mandate of the voters. Probably the main reason for theswitch-over is the fear of not getting the party ticket and the promise of theticket in the new party.
However,the deciding factor will be whether the voters will remain loyal to their partyor the candidate. This will also decide whether the politician has made a wisemove or will meet his/her waterloo at the polls.
