The work starts now: Goa 2012 Frederick Noronha
Very varied explanations are already coming up in the wake of the Congress debacle in Goa’s elections. Some are seeing it as a mandate for a regional language MoI ( medium of instruction) policy. Long- time Congressman Adv. Uday Bhembre has interpreted it as a departure from Goa’s communal and caste- based voting patterns.
Some losing candidates were bitter about the role of the media in highlighting certain issues, while ignoring others. Even as the dispensation changes in Goa, there are already signs of attempts to quickly build convenient argument that suit the powers that be.
A few trends are already clear. More will surface if the media is willing to go beyond the superficial and the instant sound- byte. But one thing is more than clear: a communal polarisation, again, did take place. Only, it worked itself differently.
In the minority areas, the voter bought the anti- Congress logic, as visible most dramatically in Salcete. There are clear positive aspects to this trend. For too long, the Congress was assuming that the Catholic is its ‘ votebank’ and has been taking it for granted.
As a result, the minority voter had painted himself or herself into a corner. Even after steadfastly supporting the Congress, government after government took no heed of its concerns, whittled down its numbers in the bureaucracy, kept sanctioning controversial projects, and at best feathered the nests of a few of its ‘leaders’.
By breaking away from the old- style polarisation, which has been the norm in Goa ever since the 1963 elections, new possibilities are opened up. But on the other hand, the Hindu voter - more so after the BJPMGP alliance - seems to have got consolidated around its own traditional leadership. It will have to realise the limitations of such an approach for itself.
There is a strong case for more freethinking among the voter, and a breaking away from easy stereotypes. Time and time again, politics in Goa has shown that ( i) religious labels mean little in politics, except when politicians want to selfishly make use of them ( ii) the more we stick within such labels, the worse we get shortchanged and ( iii) anyone can easily take voters for a ride using such labels.
The half-a-dozen winning Catholic BJP MLAs gives a new twist to that party’s interpretation of its own ideology. But it also raises questions on who builds “ community leaders”, and whether politicians’ religious identities should be highlighted when convenient.
Let’s recognise it for what it is: a strategically-chosen Catholic candidate drawing support from the BJP ‘ votebank’ has proven to be a winner. But what overall difference does this make to the State and the communities involved? It would be far better if all politicians were fair to all sections of the population, without discrimination or bias.
For the voter, now is the time to be vigilant, and not fall for the equally lazy political shorthand. Easy arguments that wants us to believe that some parties are corrupt and others are not. Or that we can rest once we have a “good man” in office.
Likewise, the politician also has to deliver now. For decades, the Congress has played the role of being a honey- pot luring those wanting a share of the spoils of office. Its ability to play the role of an effective Opposition is doubtful.
For its part, the BJP has shown its ability to rake up emotive issues, and those which make it to the headlines. When it comes to policies, it is yet to convince Goa that it is positively different from the Congress on issues that matter to the people. It has a lot to do on this front.
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