The current war of words between RSS indoctrinated Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Vijai Sardesai has taken Goa’s political discourse to a further awful low. By branding Vijai Sardesai as a big liar, the Chief Minister has ironically publicly acknowledged that an unethical person was his Deputy Chief Minister until a few months ago. In order to get each other’s support, a trademark of BJP’s shady dealings as the recent luring of 10 MLAs prove, they were both prepared to sacrifice their principles and integrity and to sweep any misdeeds under the carpet. Goans will want to know why this close, cosy relationship, a political legacy of the late CM Manohar Parrikar was acceptable for two years, and under two chief ministers, then why is it different now. This too only after CM Pramod Sawant and the BJP managed to lure 10 MLAs who betrayed the trust of the people for the greed of the rupee and the lust for power. Both Vijai and CM Sawant need to heed the wise words of Tom Peters, the renowned management consultant and writer who stated ‘There is no such thing as a minor lapse of integrity’!
Now that Pramod Sawant has himself publicly announced that he is ready to face any probe into the alleged properties acquired by him, it would be proper that he entrusts this to a judicial probe by a retired High Court Judge or even to the Lokayukta who could also investigate the serious allegations made against Vijai Sardesai by the Chief Minister. For Pramod Sawant he would have to clear himself from these serious allegations of huge disproportionate assets otherwise the Chief Minister will be unable to rein in his fellow Ministers nor command their muchneeded respect. Accusations and counter accusations against each other can only be resolved by an independent judicial probe. The people will not believe any other outcome. Justice must be done and be seen to be done.
Our Goa may be India’s smallest State within the world’s largest democracy, but it has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. We have shown the nation ways and means to circumvent the Anti-Defection law, with political prostitution and party turncoats all around. Our arrogant and deceitful politicians have perfected the art of deception for their own personal gain. Politics makes strange bedfellows. Even those in the world’s oldest profession do it better. Goans can no longer be deceived and will accept nothing less than zero tolerance to corruption, lack of transparency, and politicians being economical with the truth.
The prophetic words of St Francis Xavier still ring true: Goa ninguem levará mas por si acabara (no one will take Goa, but it will be finished by itself).
