PACHU MENON
With two of its political heavyweights bidding farewell to this mortal world in quick succession, the state will take some time to reconcile to the irreparable loss. In the death of the former deputy CM Francis D’Souza and ex-MLA of San Andre, Vishnu Wagh, Goa has lost two noteworthy individuals who blazed across the political spectrum of the state in their own resolute ways.
It is however demeaning to have such leaders languishing in near oblivion no sooner they are out of the public-eye!
Was there any news on the whereabouts of Wagh after he remained in the headlines for his deteriorating medical conditions which saw him on frequent medical jaunts to Mumbai in the company of his wife! In fact, nothing much was heard about him until his death in South Africa - which again was reported a few days late.
Wagh’s debilitating conditions on account of multiple medical complications garnered public sympathy for some time and gradually ceased to interest them anymore. The media by then had already severed its links with the controversial figure.
But at least Francis was a serving legislator in the present government, if not a minister - wasn’t he newsworthy either!
As a leader there is no one who can doubt his credentials as a popular leader and an effective administrator. The very fact that there are umpteen, and very credible, claimants to the vacant Mapusa assembly is suggestive of the hold the departed leader had over his constituency.
And to have the Saffron party compelled by the politics of coalition to have the ailing leader sidelined and gradually eased out of political reckoning to maintain the mockery of unity that characterizes the present cobbled-up constitution that goes for the ruling alliance in the state! It is the worst insult that could have been heaped on a leader of Francis D’Souza’s stature.
If deteriorating health conditions were the criterion, then by the same yardstick Manohar Parrikar as the Chief Minister of the state should have been replaced long back. But then these are the follies of a political system where numbers, and not merits, decide the ascent to power.
It was also quite amusing to have the ailing CM visiting the D’Souza residence to condole the death of his colleague, and on a wheelchair at that, graciously recognizing the contributions of the Mapusa MLA to the state’s betterment.
Fondly remembering him as a childhood friend, his recollections about their amity however fail to justify the political arrangements which saw the Mapusa legislator on a virtual slide and not figuring anywhere in the BJP’s order of priorities in the new coalition.
A simple and unassuming leader that Francis was known to be, it is indeed unfortunate that he had to silently bear the bitterness right to his grave. All the same, after a period of relative silence for about two years or so, his demise has suddenly revived interest in the political vacuum created in Mapusa.
Nevertheless, it was not appropriate having discussions on who could be his successor even before the departed leader could be laid to rest! The manner in which a few power-hungry and impudent political leaders have been rushing with political support at the time of grief can aptly be described as political chicanery at its most graceful height! Apparently, consolidation of political turf is something that comes so very naturally to our leaders, even if they have to make their intentions clear unmindful of the time and solemnity of the occasion!
The announcement made by the TCP Minister about backing the son of Francis D’Souza for the Mapusa seat which has shocked the state wing of the BJP for words, for instance! For that matter, with each passing day it is becoming extremely difficult to comprehend the type of politics being played out in Goa.
While the media contemplates the elusive quotients allowing for the current government’s continuance in power, variations in political equations by the hour make the whole calculations go haywire.
While the dissolution of the assembly increasingly appearing a distinct possibility, the resilience shown by the motley crowd of ‘associates’ in propping-up the government is indeed commendable.
But how long can such an ‘arrangement’ sustain the fragile union, where every partner is power-hungry and solely interested in its own survival? MGP, in spite of being partners in the coalition, are hell-bent on contesting the Shiroda and Mandrem bypolls. Apart from dropping an occasional bombshell, GFP is holding its cards close to its chest!
In any case, the stillness that has enveloped the region in the wake of the uncertainties that has characterized the typical turbulence in the top echelons of power in the state has further settled into an eerie silence with the demise of the ex- DyCM.
The news that BJP is in a quandary over a replacement in Mapusa further complicates matters for the party.
Be that as it may, electoral politics is all about the convenience of having like-minded allies coming together to fool the electorate. However, it would be atrocious to believe that the ‘like-mindedness’ stems from any public concern. It is simply an aspect developed out of personal considerations. Coalitions across the country have given ample proof of this sudden ‘fondness’ which brings together the most unlikeliest of partners together in an attempt to assume power.
The three-day mourning and the decision to accord the senior BJP functionary a state funeral is however a poor consolation for the late deputy chief minister Francis, who, without a doubt, ‘destigmatised’ BJP for Goa’s Christians!
