It is heartening to note that there are 47 per cent new faces in the assembly this time around. Across party lines, the electorate has opted for fresh faces as witnessed in Navelim, Vasco, Mayem, Poriem, Pernem and other constituencies. The overall verdict indicates that people have largely voted for candidates who worked diligently for the people rather than simply stamping their approval on party symbols. Many so-called ‘heavyweights’ bit the dust mostly done in by complacency and hubris. Also, no benefits accrued to party-hopping candidates as they were seen as opportunists by the aam janta -- the defeat of an NCP-defected-to-TMC legislator and a former chief minister at the hustings bears witness to this.
Hopefully, the new representatives shall take the voice of not just the constituents, but all Goans to the assembly and further to the Centre. The newcomers have infused the House with infectious enthusiasm and new energy. Hopefully, they shall hit the ground running to make Goa greater...and ultimately the greatest state of the Indian union.
