from Lenny Barretto
for Daijiworld Media Network - Goa (MB)
Panaji, Aug 6: The sea is rough in Goa, so also is the politics. What we have seen during last few days was unexpected. Though not unexpected from Goan politicians, by and large, these things are not expected in the political system where people vote for their representatives.
Within 50 days, the political equations have changed. Friends turned into foes and foes into friends. No sensible mind can understand the logic behind this political somersaults.
Let’s not go into whether Manohar Parrikar, BJP’s face for chief ministerial candidate, did a wise thing by aligning with the forces like Atanasio Monserratte whom he has been castigating all this while. The fact remains that the politics in Goa has gone to the gutter level.
The voters have become insensitive. Elections and by-elections have become an opportunity for the common man to earn more money. A reputable politician was quoted by a local English daily as stating that he was offered Rs 20 crore to switch over to other side.
This politician may be true in his statement or may just be raking up some dust to get some mileage, but the fact remains that large amount of money is being talked about in Goa’s politics.
The politics is getting murkier by each day and now it’s for the Goans to think twice before casting their votes next time.