from daijiworld's special correspondent

Panaji, Jun 2: Even as 10 lac-odd Goa electorate will vote for the next government, the vital question remains whether this poll will end the long time instability in this state.

Post-1990, Goa has failed to get a stable government with few chief ministers lasting for short durations of even seven days. Congress’ Ravi Naik, created a history of sorts by becoming the shortest serving chief minister in 1994.

The records show that Goa ventured into politically volatile state only after it attained statehood in 1987 and number of constituencies were increased from 30 to 40. The instability was the result of fractured mandate given by people, which continued for most of the elections.

Goa, an erstwhile Portuguese state, was liberated in 1961 but first democratically election to elect government for union territory of Goa, Daman and Diu was held in 1963. That year, two regional parties – Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and United Goans (UG) fought a bitter battle across the state with MGP gaining majority seats.

Dayanand Bandodkar was elected as Goa’s first chief minister who continued for next ten years before being taken over by his daughter Shashikala Kakodkar after his death.

Kakodkar, who became chief minister in 1973, became two time chief minister and was out of power in 1979.

Interestingly till 1979, Goa was ruled by regional parties. It was only in 1980 for the first time congress ruled the state under leadership of Pratapsingh Rane, who went on to become five time chief minister of this tiny state.

Actual downfall of regional parties in Goa began when national parties cemented their presence in the state. The parties like congress that won hardly one seat in 1963 and later did not contested 1967 election, won just one seat in 1972 election.

It was fifth election, held on January 3, 1980 with hardly 5.22 lakh voters, threw a new trend  in voting pattern. The electorates wiped off the supremacy of regional party changing the history of Goan politics when Pratapsingh Rane was sworn in as chief minister.

In 1984, the trend continued with electorate ruling in favour of congress party. The regional parties’ hold had decreased with MGP getting only eight seats.

The MGP could manage to increase its hold in 1989 but fell short of forming the state government. It later formed an alliance with BJP in 1994 election, spelling doom for itself.

The 1994 election saw BJP making its maiden appearance in the assembly but could not make the government.

In 1999, BJP, who went alone without MGP, bagged 10 seats while MGP was slashed to mere four seats. Congress again formed the government.

The scene changed in last elections, the 2002-polls saw BJP getting 17 seats and congress 16. As there was no absolute majority to any political party, the small parties joined hands with BJP and a new government under leadership of Manohar Parrikar was formed.

The government was pulled down in 2005 by few legislators who switched over their loyalty to congress.

This election, congress-NCP have alliance while rest of the parties are going on their own. MGP is trying to revive its sagging fortunes and Save Goa Front (SGF), a newly nominated regional party, may also make difference, this election.