Dear ex-Prime Minister

The Murder of Democracy in Goa

a TGF editorial

TGF foreword: The India Express newspaper published two very interesting items relevant to the ongoing political circus in Goa.

On February 13, 2005, it had Mr. SC Jamir of the Congress Party of India & now Governor of Goa accusing the Goa BJP Speaker of "murdering democracy" on the floor of the Goa House of Assembly.

Now, On March 01, 2005, we have the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a member of the Rt wing BJP accusing the Goa governor of "murdering" democracy"

While all this finger pointing is going on, we at TGF are not surprised about anything that is happening in Goa. We are surprised of course that Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee has finally woken up to the reality in Goa. Hence, we thought of writing to him. This is out note to him.



Dear Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee,

It is so good to hear from you.

You might be right, but TGF wonders (loudly): How can anyone murder anything which has already been murdered a long time ago?

1. Democracy once had a chance in Goa - in the 1960s, but NOBODY cared to ask Goans what they wanted.

2. Gen Candeth wiped out the Communidade system - by decree. Nobody thought of asking the people of Goa their will.

3. The civilian airport at Dabolim has been usurped. Anybody sought the will of the Goan people?

4. The Konkan Railway was approved in the "still of the night". What did the Goans think about the type of land it passes through?

5. Zuari Agro was brought in by the allegedly great Bandodkar. At what price was that land sold? Which Goan was asked about that sale, and which Goan is happy with the pollution it spews?

6. Then came META. How was that approved? How did Goans feel about that? Anybody cared? Oh yes, what happened to the protestors?

7. Anjediva Island was taken away from Goa. I am sure Goans voted for that eh?. Oh! they weren't asked! oops!

8. Goa Govt jobs are hijacked (from the time of the allegedly great Bandodkar) and qualified Goans are cleverly displaced by nonGoans. That must have been the will of the Goan people no doubt!

9. Monies earmarked for development are hijacked into the pockets of those who fight to be Ministers of Public Works. How much would you believe has been swiped over the past 40 years? One Congressman Mr. Shantaram Naik recently alleged that the Goa BJP swiped a 1000 crores in the past 4 years. If that is true that will be an interesting instrument of democracy. Would you not agree? That is a lot of moolah for a state which has some desperate schools, hospitals and roads. You agree?

When you visited and holidayed in Goa, Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, did you pick up the tab? or is it ..... because it is supposed to be a democracy, the people of Goa picket it up?

Now please do not counter this point by saying..."Ask the Congress how much they  stole during their previous stay in power". We have asked Mr. Shantaram Naik that question, and we do not expect a truthful response. You politicians have a condition called CTD aka Chronic Truth Deficiency.

and finally (for now) Mr. Vajpayee

10. The coup which brought Parrikar to power. Is that a part of something you would be happy to call Democracy?

You know Mr. Vajpayee, TGF liked your speil about democracy. You are a decent man. TGF knows you will understand it when TGF says that your words have come too late. 40 years too late.

Mr. Parrikar and the BJP may yet come back to the helm in Goa. But they could never convince TGF that the Goa BJP's immediate past has been one which would have made the original authors of Democracy proud.

Besides, Delhi based politicians spouting pious platitudes about democracy is akin to Goa-street-sign-destroying anarchists calling themselves freedom fighters.

Those who know.....know!

TGF
March 1, 2005.