EdWords

No much change

IN Goa we never felt that we were in the midst of the monsoons this year because thought it poured for a few brief spells most of the time it was fair, dry weather. The political weather too seems to be experiencing similar listless progression and the constant changeover of gears, we were accustomed to earlier, seem to be a thing of the past for quite a while.

Came the monsoon session of the Goa State Legislative Assembly, allowing the Opposition Congress to seek expression for their criticism of the BJP-led coalition government. Of course, the government had quite a few new ministers, who were sometimes at a loss to parry the critical barbs of their senior, more mature opponents. But that didn't seem to offer any consolation for the Opposition members. Dayanand Narvekar, Pratapsingh Rane, Jeetendra Deshprabhu, Victoria Fernandes and the others attempted their best to annoy and embarrass the ruling benches.

The Opposition attacks though scathing at times, did not deter the ruling party, whose members waxed eloquent about ushering in development, lowering the wastage of precious funds, better recovery of taxes, and of clipping the wings of corruption successfully. That apart, they even succeeded in introducing certain bills and getting them passed despite vociferous opposition from the back-benchers. The City of Panjim Corporation Bill was, however, one that created the major waves.

The Congress Party and their allies certainly need to thank the Parrikar government for allowing ample opportunities to make the public aware of their presence. However, the disunity within the Congress flock will hardly allow them to put their best foot forward.

They have not yet participated with enough vigour in the Mahadei Bachao Abhiyan led by their party president and former MLA Nirmala Sawant. The only time they displayed a bit of agitational fervour was after the passing of the Corporation Bill. For the first time they came out on the streets of Panjim, walking with people, to protest against the Bill. But they didn't seem to have made any perceptible difference and it looks like only the locals from the affected villages themselves will be able to protest in a more forceful and effective manner.

Anyway, for a change there is an ongoing public agitation to, at least, keep the headlines moving and provide pictures for our media. However, with whatever little we experienced of the monsoons this year having been blown over now, the season of feasts and festivals has resumed. So...better days ahead.

Joel D'Souza
EDITOR.