The once shining example of a people’s candidate was Adv Uday Bhembre. Even Adv Gracias, after his foray, has never tested political waters again. When established political parties themselves collapse, what guarantee is there that unregistered and unorganised groups will survive, function effectively, or remain accountable? Organised political parties thrive on “winnability,” backed by unlimited funds for campaigning and for filling party coffers. Legislators frequently defect en masse, mocking democracy in the name of “development,” which in truth is often a camouflage for personal gain and power struggles. Parties like United Goans and UGDP—founded with lofty ideals—have been derecognised, while national parties consolidate power through propaganda and financial might. Independents too, claiming “clean politics,” often align with ruling parties for obvious benefits. It would be worthwhile to revive platforms like UG and UGDP, which once gave Goa a distinct political voice. But with voters vertically divided along religious lines and communal polarisation entrenched, the challenge is immense. A massive campaign is needed to break this cycle: changing candidates and parties every election, and introducing legislative reforms to limit MLAs to a maximum of two terms.
