According to latest data filed in SC, it is reported that there are 4984 cases pending against netas and the political criminal nexus is increasing day by day. Nowadays it's about religion, ultra nationalism and hype. The highest authorities extrapolate and distort the truth even in Parliament sidelining real issues. The System is such that the gap between poor and rich keeps widening. People are forced to become corrupt, either to save family or survive and ruling party calls the shots. Hence, we find our votes have no value. It is time to vote for change. If Opposition really cared for us and Goa, they would have put aside their egos and individual ideologies, thrashed out a Common Minimum Programme and assured their objective of ousting the ruling bringing in fresh breeze and drastic change in line with the wishes of the people from the grassroots up. Regrettably, the electorate are with their backs to the wall with many parties throwing their hat in the ring, inevitably resulting in a split of votes. The latest capex budget has no immediate relief for the medium and small scale industries, many closed down, unorganized sectors with millions of jobs lost, high prices and having to cope with inflation. Right now the important issue is Hijab, saffron flag being hoisted by students politicized and the whole country polarized. Time for each of us to introspect and vote to liberate ourselves.
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
