The recent landmark order by the Goa High Court, which is finally pushing the highly corrupt state administration to act, has more than just one major impact. While it’s true that people living in illegal vote-bank settlements are worried, the bigger concern may be for some long-time politicians like Mauvin Godinho, the Monserrate couple, and others. These politicians have been misusing these settlements for years to build vote banks and hold on to power”often at the cost of Goa’s environment, identity, and overall well-being. It’s no surprise that many of these politicians face serious criminal and corruption charges, including cases linked to riots and violence. Yet they continue to stay in power, largely because of the political influence they gain from these illegal settlements built on government or communidade land. Let’s hope this important High Court order marks the beginning of real change”by reducing or even removing the political power of those who have manipulated Goa’s democracy through illegal vote banks. Better governance and a cleaner political system could finally become a reality.
