The Modi government after 2014 started a new era in Indian politics carving a Bharat which is a New India creating a different vision as a rising Hindu nation projecting power in the global scenario as a democracy but modifying all the rules and Constitutional safeguards, bringing religion and castes in a big way into governance.
They captured Parliament and rendered Opposition irrelevant. The little democracy that still strongly survives was enabling all the opposition parties to band together under INDIA (Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance) which raised some hopes of the combined opposition taking on the mighty BJP election juggernaut. This fizzled out with elected leaders switching sides, big egos mostly self-serving, so easy pickings for the rich and powerful ruling party.
Modi is the face of the BJP in every election, using the entire nation’s resources, all means, deep religion and nationalism to win elections, with total decimation of all opposition creating a very uneven playing field! The new slogan is ‘Abki bar 400 par’. Cobbling smaller parties/strategic alliances to make inroads into the southern states and south Goa assume importance. The government has formed its committee to help celebrate and market the exposition of Saint Francis Xavier into a grand event.
Rahul Gandhi speaks against 'shakti' (power) that has captured India’s voice, all institutions, enforcement agencies, police, media, Indian industry and entire constitutional structure. Modi counters saying every mother, daughter, sister and mother India is a form of 'shakti' which Indi Alliance wants to destroy. “I am Bharat Maa’s pujari, will give my life for our mothers and sisters”.
All AAP leaders are arrested one by one including Kejriwal and Kavita from the south in the liquor excise scam which pales to insignificance compared to formation and implementation of the electoral bonds scheme! Right is might and the wanted issues are suppressed or have become secondary.
Alexio Sequeira, the new Law Minister, representing the Nuvem constituency says Salcete is no longer a Congress bastion and he will ensure they give BJP the lead in south Goa. There is something wrong with the politicians we have spawned and something wrong with us, the electorate, many of whom seem to have given up hope, and disgusted with what is going on in their hijacked democracy.
I’ve been told by my relatives and friends not to bother them with any disgusting political rhetoric! It is frustrating when deep fakes rule the system. The constant vision of our PM is centrally controlled one nation “Sab Ke Saath”, where people do as they are told because they have elected BJP and their leaders know what is good for them and this nation.
You do not need to know anything except what the government wants you to know. The electoral bonds issue, government fact check committee put on hold by the Supreme Court, long battle for our right to know can be simply denied to us! With the majority in Parliament and States, BJP are enabled to do just about anything they want.
There is a poor record of Human Development and implementation of Constitutional safeguards. Free and fair elections must include free speech, right to criticize and level playing field. Weaponizing religion and central agencies ruthlessly targeting only opposition on corruption with draconian laws meant for terrorists is now so very evident.
Misuse of ordinances indulged in by the Centre where any ordinance should be sent for Presidential approval by the cabinet on rare occasions and not without due procedures. We know in Goa in 2005 an ordinance was issued to prevent demolition of a five star hotel's illegal extension on Supreme Court orders.
Ordinances galore are issued like the recent one for erection of shacks and temporary structures on beaches in Goa. No Panchayat or affected people’s consultation required? Same for ODP/ illegal structures permitted mushrooming in Calangute and other beach areas, guise of correction of Regional plan mistakes etc. with absolute power to do whatever they want with procedures that had checks and balances thrown to the winds.
Watch dog institutions have been turned into lapdogs. Waste management at Sonsodo and now complaints about water shortage and garbage crisis in Mapusa at residential complexes near Bogdeshwar temple, domestic violence with an average of 10 instances per month, illegal hoardings which not only mar the scenic beauty but are threat to motorists/cover signages or hide dangerous corners.
When will the Goa Government State Outdoor Advertisement Policy 2024 come into force, sound pollution etc. be properly implemented? Many orders issued even by courts have gone unheeded or unimplemented with impunity!
Goa Lok Sabha polls are scheduled for May 7 and counting will be done on June 6. We elect them for service, not to rule us. Do we want an autocratic democracy, or a constitutional democracy which is of the people of Goa, by the people of Goa and for the people of Goa? BJP MP Sadanand Tanavade says, “For us the party symbol matters not any individual candidate for elections”.
Our answer lies in honestly choosing and electing the right person for the right reason which very much matters to us to bring back stability, honesty, morality, constitutional democracy, and equitable justice to save what is left of our land. Are more religion and rituals making us noble human beings?
