Kamla Prasad Yadav, sarpanch of Chicalim Village Panchayat, is planning to contest the upcoming Assembly election against the incumbent MLA, Mauvin Heliodoro Godinho, who holds several key portfolios, including Transport, Industries, Trade and Commerce, and Panchayati Raj. Interestingly, Godinho had earlier honoured Yadav with the ‘Best Sarpanch’ award. Yadav has criticised Godinho’s record, alleging that the MLA has given greater importance to outsiders while neglecting the concerns and interests of Goans. He has also questioned the granting of voting rights, houses, government schemes and employment opportunities to people from outside Goa. Yadav further alleges that Godinho has done little for his own community and has at times taken positions or adopted approaches aimed at securing different vote banks. According to Yadav, some of those who benefited from such policies are now prepared to challenge the MLA politically. The forthcoming election could therefore become an important contest over representation, local interests and the preservation of Goa’s cultural identity. Yadav’s proposed candidature reflects the growing demand among some sections for greater attention to the concerns of Goans and their communities.
RONNIE DSOUZA, Chandor
