The current session of the Goa Legislative Assembly has thrown up issues that must be analysed very carefully by all. The CM has given a written statement that authorities have reported no violation of SOP issued by the Government, hotels, night clubs and event organisers during festivals or special occasions in the State. That it is not for the people to report any such violations, which in any case would not be entertained had it been so, means we need to know who is the competent authority that did so? Did our mature Opposition MLAs and those who ‘defected so that they can work for their constituencies’ question this? What are the facts? The Amendments to the Goa Lokayukta Act, diluting the already weak Act, was passed 23-7. Again, the 10 defectors voted which way? Did they act for the interests of their constituencies? Why did the same get passed so easily? Did anyone bring up the specific case of a ruling minister, who, in collusion with bureaucrats and builders, blatantly violated the rights of a voter and conclude that the ordinary citizens would now not have any recourse to justice? And that he was indicted by the outgoing Lokayukta? Had this been properly spelled out, the result might have been different. They could have asked the voters to now confront their elected representatives on this front. Voters must decide whether to serve notice to their elected representatives. If they wish to be silent, so be it. No party, neither those in the House nor on the sidelines will help us. They are only the cheerleaders waiting for their lottery.
