"Goa's Chief Minister Pramod Sawant: A mirror to his own corruption?" -- By Nisser Dias

In an eyebrow-raising statement to the media, Goa’s non-Goan Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, promised “strict action” if corruption among government servants or politicians is ever brought to his notice. But the irony is hard to miss—was Sawant making this promise in earnest, or is he hoping the public has forgotten the deep-rooted accusations against him?



Corruption Starts at the Top

It’s easy to preach about corruption in the lower ranks of government, but what happens when the allegations reach the top office? Former Goa Governor Satya Pal Malik made no small claim when he accused Chief Minister Sawant himself of corruption. As the constitutional head of the state, Malik reported these allegations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expecting action. However, instead of stepping down to clear his name or challenge Malik’s claims, Sawant wielded his influence to see Malik removed from office. For someone so eager to lead the charge against corruption, Sawant’s own actions beg the question: why not start by turning the mirror on himself?

Selective Accountability: The Case of Pooja Naik

Sawant’s recent self-congratulatory statements about exposing a woman named Pooja Naik for job fraud is another example of selective enforcement. According to Sawant, Naik approached him directly to secure a government job for another individual, and when he discovered she had accepted money for the favor, he allegedly intervened, recovered the money, and returned it to the job seeker. However, no formal charges were filed against Naik, allowing her to walk free. Wouldn’t a clear signal against corruption have been to prosecute her? Instead, this half-hearted intervention allowed her to continue her schemes unrestrained.

It is like a young college boy who starts stealing pens, pencils and rubbers from mates, continues even when warned, and is finally rusticated. However, this boy joins politics because he sees a large scope to rob. Such selective leniency—especially for first-time offenders—sets a dangerous precedent. Unfortunately, Pooja Naik’s case isn’t an isolated one.

Preferential Treatment: When Laws Bend for the Powerful

A former Director General of Police (DGP), Jaspal Singh, found himself in a controversy when he allegedly sanctioned the illegal demolition of a house without court orders. Instead of facing due process, Singh was quickly transferred out of Goa—an exit seemingly orchestrated to sidestep legal repercussions. The question is simple: if shielding allies from accountability isn’t corruption, then what is?

Similarly, when allegations of a land scam surfaced against Goa’s former Chief Secretary Puneet Goel, he was hurriedly transferred from the state. Allegedly, Goel manipulated zoning laws to benefit himself, reclassifying agricultural land to settlement zone and then purchasing it. Yet, despite the gravity of these accusations, he was spared from prosecution. This selective justice reflects not only favoritism but a willingness to look the other way for those in the inner circle.

The Kala Academy Debacle: A Case Study in Cronyism

Perhaps the most glaring example of administrative neglect and corruption is the botched renovation of the iconic Kala Academy, where Rs. 56 crore of public money was

poured into repairs that barely lasted. The academy’s open-air auditorium roof collapsed, green room mirrors came crashing down, and sections of the false ceiling fell apart. These were not mere construction mishaps but consequences of a flawed process that allowed Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude to hand-pick contractors without even issuing a public tender.

Though the Directorate of Vigilance recommended a technical probe into the renovation irregularities, the Sawant-led government chose to ignore the suggestion. This deliberate oversight shows not only the government’s complicity but Sawant’s own hand in shielding corrupt practices from scrutiny. ‘Smart City’ is another example of corruption, where one can write volumes.

Corruption Runs Deep

The story of Pramod Sawant’s government reads like a guidebook on the many faces of corruption. Bribery, favoritism, nepotism, selective enforcement, and shameless cronyism all find a place under his leadership. Whether it’s allowing allies to escape legal consequences, evading recommended investigations, or neglecting the most basic of accountability measures, Sawant’s administration has proven that corruption doesn’t merely exist on its fringes—it thrives in its highest ranks.

So, when Pramod Sawant claims to be fighting corruption, it’s hard to take him seriously. Goa deserves a government that confronts corruption head-on, not one that uses it as a tool to serve personal agendas.

Alexio Sequeira’s blame game: Deflecting Goa’s environmental destruction while politicians profit -- By Nisser Dias

Turncoat Alexio Sequeira

In a brazen act of deflection, Goa’s Environment Minister, Alexio Sequeira, has placed the blame for the state’s environmental destruction squarely on the shoulders of Goans, accusing them of selling their inherited lands to non-Goans for hefty sums. According to him, if Goans hadn't sold their land, mega projects wouldn’t have found their way into the state. But this narrative is not only disingenuous—it’s a convenient smokescreen for his own political and economic interests.

Yes, Goans are selling land. But let’s get real: there are complex reasons behind these decisions, from financial necessity to resolving family disputes over property. The truth, which Sequeira conveniently sidesteps, is that the very politicians pointing fingers at the people are neck-deep in the real estate game themselves.

Ministers or a Land Broker?

Can Sequeira deny his own role as a land developer? Can he refute the claim that he, too, has sold land for personal gain? Or that he has used state machinery—police and government influence—to suppress protests against the sale of land for massive, destructive projects? The hypocrisy reeks.

Most of Goa's 40 MLAs have brokered land deals themselves. Goan families might sell small plots to stay afloat, but politicians are the ones who facilitate the sale of acres upon acres, greasing the wheels of these mega projects. Has the political turncoat Sequeira forgotten that politicians often coerce Goans to sell their land, using both persuasion and muscle? When the carrot doesn’t work, the stick follows—threats of land acquisition for "government purposes" leave property owners with no choice but to sell.

And let’s not forget Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, infamously dubbed "Property Sawant" by none other than his fellow MLAs and government insiders, due to his deep involvement in shady property deals.

The Real Culprits: Corrupt Politicians, Not Common Goans

For Sequeira, blaming the people is easy. It's a distraction from his own dishonesty. This is the same man who swore on holy ground—at a church, a temple, and a mosque—that he would never abandon the Congress party. Yet, for the sake of political convenience, he quickly jumped ship to the BJP, betraying not just his party but the people he claimed to represent. How can Goans trust a man who can’t even keep his oath to God?

More importantly, who is issuing the licenses to these non-Goan buyers? Who is bending, breaking, and reworking the rules to accommodate these outsiders? It’s the corrupt politicians like Sequeira who shamelessly sell out their own state. If they followed the law, refused bribes, and protected Goa's interests, this environmental destruction wouldn’t be happening. But instead, the laws governing land use are constantly being manipulated to benefit the wealthy and powerful—both inside and outside the state.

Why is the "change in land use" rule amended so often? It’s certainly not to help Goans. It’s to serve the rich non-Goan investors, who not only buy the land but also the politicians who enable their destructive projects.

A Government That Sells Its Soul—and Goa’s Future

Destruction of GOA

If Sequeira and his fellow ministers genuinely cared about preserving Goa, why not introduce a law banning the sale of land to non-Goans, similar to the laws in several North-Eastern states? Instead, this government constantly seeks to shrink the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) from 200 meters to 50 meters from the high tide line. Why? To make beachfront property even more attractive to wealthy outsiders.

Why does the government push to exclude 70 villages from eco-sensitive zones? Why is the state’s forest cover diminishing year after year? Why are Goa’s hills being indiscriminately cut, and why are agricultural fields being converted into settlements, with high-ranking officials like the Chief Secretary directly profiting from these changes?

The answers are glaringly obvious: corruption, greed, and a complete disregard for the well-being of Goa and its people.

Stop Blaming the People, Start Holding Politicians Accountable

Goans selling their land is a symptom, not the cause. The disease is the corrupt, unethical, and arrogant leadership—like Alexio Sequeira—that prioritizes their personal profits over the future of Goa. It’s time to stop blaming the common man and start holding these politicians accountable for the devastation they are wreaking on the state.

Goa’s Unemployment Crisis: Empty Promises but Full Pockets -- By Nisser Dias

NON-GOAN CM OF GOA

Goa’s job market is in crisis, and the numbers speak for themselves. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation recently released a report through the National Sample Survey Office, revealing that Goa’s unemployment rate has skyrocketed to 8.7% for the 2023-2024 period—more than double the national average of 4.5%. This startling figure has ignited a fierce political debate, with the opposition lambasting the Pramod Sawant-led government for its economic mismanagement and broken promises to Goa’s youth.

Since the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government took office in 2014, unemployment has become a critical issue not just in Goa but across India. While election campaigns are filled with grand promises of job creation, these commitments often dissolve into empty rhetoric once the votes are cast. Goa is no exception. When official data, like the recent Periodic Labour Force Survey, highlights these failures, ruling governments typically respond with more vague assurances, deflecting responsibility and offering new promises that rarely see the light of day.

Non-Goan Chief Minister of Goa Pramod Sawant who has faced widespread criticism for his governance and administrative failings, recently pledged to create 2 lakh jobs over the next two years. However, many view this as yet another “jumla” aimed at countering the grim statistics from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, as well as deflecting attention from corruption allegations surrounding massive land conversions.

But beneath these lofty promises lies a darker question: Will Goans even be able to afford these jobs? In Goa’s current political landscape, merit often takes a backseat to money and connections. There is a growing sentiment that government jobs in the state come with a hefty price tag, with merit and reservations becoming irrelevant in the face of corruption.

Another non-Goan minister in Goa’s cabinet, Vishwajit Rane demands that 22,000 jobs to be created in the next two years. Given Rane’s mercenary mindset, he sent a subtle

HEALTH AND TCP MINISTER

Unmasking the Nexus: The Assagao House Demolition Scandal – By Nisser Dias

DEMOLISHED HOUSE AT ASSAGAO

The brutal and unlawful demolition of a house in Assagao, executed without judicial orders and with sheer force, has blown the lid off a festering corruption scandal that implicates politicians, police, and land sharks across India. This brazen act has laid bare a corrupt nexus that has long operated in the shadows.

Exposing the Corruption

Police Inspector Prashal Dessai's courageous decision to implicate Director General of Police (DGP) Jaspal Singh in this heinous affair is merely the tip of the iceberg. This scandal demands a rigorous, independent investigation to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and identify all the culprits. The disgrace of DGP Singh confirms what many have long suspected: the police serve those who line their pockets, not the public they are sworn to protect.

The Chain of Command

DGP JASPAL SINGH and PI PRASHAL DESSAI

It is implausible that DGP Singh acted alone. Such an operation would have required coordination with the Superintendent of Police and the Deputy Superintendent of Police, who would then direct the inspector on executing the plan. The scheme involved evicting the Agarwadekar family by summoning them to the Anjuna police station, falsely claiming the house was unoccupied, and then demolishing it.

When the operation went off the rails, hired thugs resorted to kidnapping the father and son. By this time, neighbours and the media had already been alerted, preventing the plan from being fully executed. This entire chain of command must be dissected to hold every participant accountable.

Political Collusion

We must scrutinize on whose orders DGP Singh was operating. Was he following directives from higher political authorities? It is inconceivable that Singh would jeopardize his career without powerful backing. The involvement of BJP-affiliated bouncers suggests a direct political link to the demolition.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's Role

CHIEF MINISTER PRAMOD SAWANT

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s eagerness to rebuild the demolished house with public funds is highly suspicious. Even in cases of misconduct, courts typically order that costs be recovered from the perpetrators, not the government. Secondly why is Sawant in such a hurry to transfer DGP Singh to Delhi instead of suspending or dismissing him to ensure a fair investigation? As Home Minister, Sawant is Singh's direct superior. Sawant's reluctance to appoint a retired High Court judge for a judicial inquiry is telling. The so-called investigation by the Crime Branch into this abuse of power is a sham, designed to protect senior officials and making junior officers as scape-goats.

A Cover-Up in Motion

Whenever judicial courts grant bail to accused persons, the conditions are “not to interfere with investigation” and “not to influence the witnesses”. The Goa BJP government's request to transfer DGP Singh is nothing more than a manoeuvre to keep him in power, allowing him to influence the investigation, tamper with evidence, and intimidate witnesses. This move is a blatant attempt to cover up the chain of events and protect high-ranking officials.

Demanding Accountability

The people of Goa deserve transparency and justice, not a cover-up orchestrated to shield powerful individuals. Only a relentless and unbiased investigation can restore faith in the system and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. This scandal is not just about a single house demolition; it is about uprooting a deeply entrenched corruption that threatens the very fabric of our society. The citizens of Goa must demand accountability and refuse to let this outrage be swept under the rug.

AAP's lavish campaign for Benaulim ZP elections raises eyebrows -- By Nisser Dias

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is pulling out all the stops to recapture the Benaulim Zilla Panchayat seat it lost due to disqualification. The sheer volume of money being poured into the five villages of the Benaulim constituency is alarming and raises serious questions about the party's ethics and priorities.

Local MLA Venzy Viegas seems obsessed with winning the seat, driven by his insatiable ego and dictatorial ways of functioning. In the villages of Cavelossim, Carmona, Orlim, Varca, and Benaulim, the streets are flooded with people of all ages wearing yellow AAP t-shirts, aggressively canvassing door-to-door to distribute fliers and urging voters to back their candidate. The visual irony of the Indian Meteorological Department's yellow alert is starkly reflected in AAP's over-the-top campaign.

In Benaulim, even the elderly are being roped into this campaign. An 80-year-old was spotted in the early hours, struggling to distribute pamphlets glorifying Venzy Viegas’s past achievements and making hollow promises for the future.

There are allegations that each campaign volunteer is being paid Rs. 1,000 per day. This might explain the unusual sight of an octogenarian participating in the AAP roadshow. The question then arises: where has AAP suddenly sourced such substantial funds?

The Election Commission of India has set a spending limit of Rs. 5 lakhs per candidate. However, the AAP candidate's expenditure seems to have blown past this ceiling. Beyond the mass production of fliers and t-shirts emblazoned with the party's name and symbol, there is a conspicuous absence of the 'INDIA Alliance' branding on the jerseys, which raises further suspicions.

Has APP candidate for ZP liquidated all his assets just to win this inconsequential election, which has a mere one-and-a-half-year term? Are there benefactors generous enough to bankroll these exorbitant election expenses? Are hundreds of volunteers so captivated by a party whose top leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, are entangled in a liquor scam, that they abandon their daily lives to campaign? Is this lavish spending rooted in the alleged liquor-gate scandal?

These critical questions demand immediate answers. The extravagant spending and questionable tactics employed by AAP in this minor ZP election cast a long shadow over the party’s integrity and priorities.

It is imperative that the Election Commission and other relevant authorities scrutinize these expenditures and hold those responsible to account.

Venzy at the centre of controversy in Benaulim's zilla panchayat by-polls -- By Nisser Dias

ROYLA FERNANDES

The marathon Parliamentary elections have just concluded, and now a part of Benaulim's constituents are preparing for Zilla Panchayat by-elections. This Assembly segment played a crucial role in giving the highest lead to the INDIA Alliance Congress candidate Viriato Fernandes, effectively halting the BJP's progress.

It's widely acknowledged that Zilla Panchayats in Goa are largely symbolic and a financial burden on the exchequer. However, in Benaulim, the situation has become a matter of ego. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won these elections under fraudulent circumstances in 2022. This fraud was exposed by Royla Fernandes, whose petition led the Administrative Tribunal to the disqualification of Hanzel Fernandes. Thus, the first person to open the AAP's electoral account in Goa was disgraced and humbled.

Currently, Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas, whose victory is allegedly linked to the liquor-gate scam in Delhi, has put forward a sitting panchayat member and AAP member as the INDIA alliance candidate for the ZP elections. This by-election, imposed by AAP, because it involved a candidate who used a forged OBC certificate to contest. Should the AAP candidate win this time round too, the Orlim panchayat will face another election within months, further straining the exchequer to satisfy Viegas' ego.

Venzy claims that their candidate is an INDIA alliance nominee and demands action against Royla Fernandes, a Congress member. Although Royla resigned from the party before filing her candidacy, Venzy’s focus appears to be on self-interest rather than the broader goals of the alliance.

The INDIA alliance was formed to prevent Narendra Modi from securing an absolute majority, and this goal was achieved. However, Venzy's intentions for Benaulim remain questionable.

AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal has publicly stated that the INDIA alliance is not a permanent arrangement, as evidenced by AAP contesting elections independently in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. This inconsistency raises questions about the solidity of the alliance.

It's well known that Venzy Viegas initially opposed the INDIA alliance and preferred to field a candidate from his own party. His recent enthusiasm for the alliance appears to be a strategic move, given the strong support for Congress in Salcete. Benaulim constituents gave Viriato Fernandes the highest lead in parliamentary polls, and Venzy should not claim undue credit for this outcome. The votes were cast to keep the BJP at bay.

During Viriato's campaign, Venzy was more focused on building his own base in the constituency, possibly with an eye on the ZP elections or his re-election. Many panchayat members in Benaulim constituency are not on cordial terms with him, as Venzy tends to dominate them. These elected representatives have their own egos and ambitions, and Venzy's desire for blind followers clashes with their independence.

VENZY MARGINALIZES HANZEL

Venzy’s approach is evident in the group picture taken post-nomination, where Hanzel is marginalized in the corner. This image speaks volumes about Venzy's use, misuse, and discard approach towards his supporters.

In summary, the political landscape in Benaulim is fraught with controversy, power struggles, and allegations of fraud, raising serious concerns about the integrity and intentions of the key players involved.

Congress' win in south Goa: A modern echo of the historic 1967 Opinion Poll – By Nisser Dias

A SOLDIER prevailed over divisive BJP

The victory of South Goa Congress candidate Viriato Fernandes draws a compelling parallel to the historic Opinion Poll of 1967. While not an exact replica, there are striking similarities.

The decisive momentum for his victory over formidable BJP candidate Pallavi Dempo in the 2024 Parliamentary election shifted significantly in Salcete taluka, much like in the Opinion Poll.

Despite Dempo's backing from the ruling government, its machinery, and substantial financial resources from both the government and her industrial house, the people's power in Salcete countered her lead in 11 of the 20 assembly constituencies.

Viriato's victory gained momentum from key areas such as Nuvem, Curtorim, Fatorda, Benaulim, Navelim, Velim, and Cuncolim. However, Goa’s self proclaimed Godman and Margao MLA, Digambar Kamat, gave the BJP a minimal lead of 86 votes, which was more embarrassing than celebratory.

Similar to the anti-merger movement's success in Bardez and Tiswadi during the Opinion Poll, Viriato also led in Cortalim and Quepem. The BJP government, determined to secure both parliamentary seats in Goa, left no stone unturned. They employed their machinery, Christian ministers, MLAs, supporters, other parties, independent candidates, and financial power, even resorting to a slander campaign to derail the INDIA bloc campaign in South Goa. However, the Kargil soldier, Viriato, prevailed, and the BJP's efforts failed.

The support from Salcete's assembly segments was crucial in defeating the ideologically divisive party, but the voters in the rest of South Goa's assembly constituencies also played their part. The BJP's leads in other constituencies were minimal, indicating a clear message from the voters: dissatisfaction with the Modi government at the Centre and the Pramod Sawant government in Goa.

MODI Guarantee FAILED

Kudos to all the voters who cast their votes for Viriato and the Congress. Despite the BJP's efforts to dismantle and dismember the Congress' grassroots committees, freeze their accounts, and stop their financial flow, they couldn't prevent voters from choosing Congress.

Another takeaway from the South Goa election is the recurring responsibility of the people of Salcete, or Xaxtikars, to save whatever remains of Goa, once again drawing parallels to the historic Opinion Poll.

Unmasking BJP's Assault on Democracy: The Viriato Fernandes Saga -- By Nisser Dias.

CAPTAIN VIRIATO

In the simmering cauldron of Indian politics, where power, ideology, and democracy collide, a recent episode in Goa's political landscape has exposed the BJP's ruthless tactics and disdain for democratic norms. The target of their ire? Viriato Fernandes, the consensus candidate for the south Goa parliamentary seat, who has become a thorn for the BJP.

Viriato had stated a mere fact, that Goa was still under Portuguese rule for 14 more years after India’s independence. That Goans were not part of the decision-making during the drafting process of the Constitution after India’s independence and hence it was imposed on us. A historical fact.

However what began as a routine electoral contest has morphed into a battleground of ideologies, with the BJP launching a relentless onslaught against Fernandes, desperate to tarnish his reputation and salvage their electoral prospects. But their smear campaign reeks of desperation and reveals the depths to which they are willing to sink to maintain their stranglehold on Indian politics.

Fernandes, a voice of reason amidst the cacophony of political rhetoric, dared to speak truth to power. He merely echoed historical realities when he highlighted the fact that Goa languished under Portuguese rule for 14 years after India's independence, with liberation only achieved through the blood, sweat, and tears of Goan freedom fighters. Yet, the BJP, in its characteristic fashion, twisted his words, painting him as anti-national and unpatriotic.

Imported CM of Goa

But let us not be deceived by their hollow accusations and political theatrics. The BJP's hypocrisy knows no bounds. While they feign outrage at Fernandes' remarks, they conveniently overlook their sordid past.

The RSS, the ideological fountainhead of the BJP, has long harboured contempt for the Indian Constitution, dismissing it as a relic of Western influence devoid of India's cultural essence. Their disdain extends beyond mere words to the very symbols of our nationhood. The Tricolor, the revered national flag, was once scorned by the RSS, which championed the Bhagwa Dhwaj (saffron colour flag) as a more suitable emblem of Indian identity. Such blatant disregard for national symbols speaks volumes about the BJP's commitment to the idea of India.

But perhaps most alarming is their insidious agenda to rewrite the Constitution itself, to pave the way for their vision of a 'Hindu Rashtra'. Their leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his cohorts, have openly advocated for constitutional amendments that would undermine the secular fabric of our nation and disenfranchise millions of citizens.

UNMASKING

Make no mistake; the BJP's assault on democracy is not a mere political skirmish but a concerted effort to subvert the very foundations of the Republic of India.

Their obsession with power knows no bounds, and they will stop at nothing to achieve their nefarious goals. In the face of such brazen authoritarianism, it falls upon us, the guardians of democracy, to stand firm and resist their onslaught. We must reclaim the true spirit of our nation, built on the principles of pluralism, secularism, and social justice. The battle for India's soul rages on, and the stakes could not be higher.

Dixon Vaz – A Pawn in BJP's Political Maneuvering -- By Nisser Dias

DIXON VAZ BJP's PAWN

The recent visit of BJP's delegation, accompanied by their parliamentary candidate Pallavi Dempo, to St. Cruz Church at Cavelossim has stirred controversy within the Christian community.

At the center of this uproar are Cavelossim sarpanch Dixon Vaz and parish priest Fr. Ubaldo Fernandes, criticized for permitting photography and videography inside the church, especially in front of the sacred Altar. This issue has sparked debates and raised numerous questions on social media platforms.

Feeling the pressure, Dixon attempted to address the situation through a press conference but inadvertently aggravated it. His eagerness to contest the Assembly elections seems to have clouded his judgment, failing to discern the BJP delegation's strategic manoeuvres and his unwitting role as a political pawn.

Dixon asserts that the saffron party had planned for their parliamentary candidate Pallavi Dempo to engage with various community segments along the Salcete coastal belt. He claims to have met the delegation, discussing the village's needs and showcasing his accomplishments during his tenure. However, the absence of any visual documentation of this interaction in the panchayat office suggests that Pallavi may have met Dixon informally, possibly by the roadside, making his presence at the church unnecessary.

It appears that Dixon sought to curry favour with the communal party members, perhaps eyeing a slot for himself in the Assembly elections, considering Congress's potential reluctance to field a candidate in exchange for AAP's concession of the south Goa parliamentary seat. In his zeal to impress BJP's leadership, Dixon fell into their trap, unwittingly becoming a pawn in their political game.

The circumstances surrounding BJP's south Goa parliamentary candidate Pallavi Dempo also raise questions. Despite her status as a businesswoman, socialite, and philanthropist where she does not meet any person without an appointment, her failure to extend the same courtesy appointment to Fr. Ubaldo hints at the BJP's firm control over her actions. If elected, her role might be reduced to a mere “ungli ka chaap” (rubber stamp) for the party's decisions.

PALLAVI DEMPO'S ITINERARY

Fr. Ubaldo, while claiming prior knowledge of the visit, was caught off-guard during the delegation's actual arrival, being occupied with overseeing church renovations. However, his decision to turn the church into a photo-op studio is also questionable; he could have conducted discussions with the BJP delegation in his office instead.

Dixon's assertion of a large gathering during the visit raises suspicions. Were these supporters mobilized to impress the BJP delegation with his popularity, in hopes of securing their support in the next election? Whether knowingly or unwittingly, Dixon Vaz has become entangled in BJP's political machinations, scoring a self-inflicted blow or rather a self goal and allowing himself to be utilized as a mere pawn in their political game of chess.

"Beneath the Veil of BJP's 'Chaukidhar' - By Nisser Dias

Promises have a way of vanishing like mist in the dawn. Narendra Modi, India's Prime Minister, spun a web of deceit, luring citizens with false assurances: "Rs.15 lakhs in every Indian's account," "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas," "Acche Din Aane Wale Hai," and the infamous "Mai desh ka chaukidhar hoo." Now, in 2024, he offers "Modi ki guarantee." But where are the riches promised? Where is the prosperity for all? Instead of fulfilling pledges, Modi flaunts opulence, draped in designer attire, adorned with luxury watches, jet-setting across the globe while the common man languishes. Rahul Gandhi aptly dubbed him the 'suit, boot sarkar.' Meanwhile, the plight of the poor worsens, unemployment skyrockets, farmers perish, small businesses shutter, and inflation soars as the rupee plummets. Modi's mastery lies not in governance but in the art of rhetoric, crafting catchy slogans that belie reality. "Make in India," 'Aatmanirbhar,' 'Vocal for Local' - all empty phrases lacking substance. Actions, not words, drive change. Yet, Modi's ambition knows no bounds. Corruption festers as he clings to power, using the state machinery to silence dissent and crush opposition. Under his watch, the BJP devours crores through illicit schemes like the 'Electoral Bond Scheme,' exposing the rot at the core of governance. Despite lofty proclamations, Modi's reign reeks of authoritarianism. Dissenting voices are muzzled, opposition leaders are silenced through intimidation and imprisonment. The 'Chaukidar' stands accused, his facade of integrity shattered as allegations of corruption swirl. The 'double engine' BJP government, elected to eradicate corruption, has become its epitome. The Electoral Bond Scheme, deemed illegal by the Supreme Court, bears Modi's imprint, tarnishing his legacy irreparably. Yet, Modi remains unfazed, manipulating the system to his advantage. By stifling opposition, manipulating electoral processes, and wielding investigative agencies as weapons, he seeks to prolong his grip on power. But power gained through coercion breeds resentment, not loyalty. To salvage his tarnished image, Modi must restore faith in democracy. Freezing opposition accounts, imprisoning dissenters, and tampering with electoral mechanisms only erode public trust further. A true leader embraces transparency, fostering an environment where every voice matters. In Modi's India, democracy hangs by a thread, suffocated by authoritarianism. The spectre of an undeclared emergency looms large, dissent crushed, and freedoms curtailed. History warns us - that dictators meet their downfall. Hitler perished in shame, Saddam Hussein met his end in disgrace. Will Modi heed the lessons of history, or meet a similar fate? In conclusion, India under Narendra Modi teeters on the brink of tyranny. The time to reclaim our democracy is now before it slips away entirely."

Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas has blood on his hands – By Nisser Dias

Late Jenito target of the raging bulls

In a heart-wrenching incident, Benaulim constituency has been thrust into the spotlight following the tragic death of 41-year-old Jenito Vaz, who fell victim to the brutality of two raging bulls.

As a 10-year-old boy mourns the loss of his father, a young wife pleads for time to reverse its course, and elderly parents grapple with burying their son, the community finds itself haunted by a stark reality.

The blood of Jenito Vaz stains the hands of those who endorse and support the sadistic pleasure derived from these brutal bullfights. In particular, the Benaulim MLA, Venzy Viegas, stands accused of having blood on his hands. The responsibility is not his alone though; it extends to the police force and the Alemao clan. In the hours leading up to Jenito's tragic demise, Venzy Viegas had advocated for the legalization of 'dhirio' in Goa, drawing inspiration from Kerala's sanctioning of 'Jallikattu.'

The Benaulim MLA, elected to power in 2022, found himself at odds with bull owners and 'dhirio' enthusiasts. In a bid to secure their votes, he championed their cause, going as far as presenting a Private Members Bill in the Assembly to legitimize these gruesome bullfights, fully aware that 'dhirio' is banned by the highest court in India. In this pursuit, MLA Viegas is now stained with the blood of Jenito Vaz.

MLA Venzy Viegas with two CMs pandering votes

The extent to which Venzy Viegas is willing to go to remain in power becomes apparent when he involves high-profile figures like Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to visit Jenito's family, ostensibly to offer condolences. However, it becomes clear that this is a strategic move to demonstrate political influence to bull owners, urging them to steadfastly support him with their votes. Venzy Viegas's actions are characterized by deceit.

The police also bear responsibility for Jenito's untimely death. Failure to enforce the Supreme Court's ban on 'dhirio' allowed the tragedy to unfold. It is widely known that the police are often complicit, receiving payments from bull owners to turn a blind eye to the illegality. Their delayed response to 'dhirio' events further exposes their collusion.

In the aftermath of Jenito's death, the police prioritized the family's statement over the circumstances surrounding the fatal bullfight. The forensic team neglected to collect blood samples from the 'dhirio' site, revealing a blatant disregard for justice. Frivolous charges of 'death caused by negligence' have become the standard escape route for those involved.

The prevalence of illegal activities is sustained by the unholy alliance between politicians seeking votes and police looking to profit. The pursuit of power often leads politicians to endorse illegalities, while the police willingly turn a blind eye for financial gain.

Lawless - Warren Alemao

Enter Warren Alemao, Churchill Alemao's nephew, and known muscle-man. Warren, having fallen out with his uncle, seeks to carve his political path, unapologetically supporting the savage and blood-filled bullfights. His past actions, challenging the police and administration to organize bullfights on his birthday, underscore his penchant for violence.

In the face of overwhelming evidence, Warren attempted to manipulate the narrative by falsely claiming that Jenito died at home, not during the bullfights. His comparison of himself to Jenito's son, both now fatherless, rings hollow in the wake of his father's death during an illegal activity.

For the likes Venzy Viegas and Warren Alemao, the pursuit of power seems to justify backing even the most heinous illegalities, leaving a grieving community in the wake of tragedy.

"Unmasking the Myth: Monserrate Punctures the Parrikar Legacy Balloon" – By Nisser Dias

In the realm of Goa's political theatre, Atanasio Babush Monserrate has boldly lifted the veil on the purported legacy of the late Manohar Parrikar, and he's not alone in his revelations. Joined by Govind Gaude, both esteemed ministers in the BJP government, they've taken it upon themselves to spill the beans on the corruption allegations surrounding Parrikar's pet projects, the smart city and the Atul Sethu bridge respectively.

As I've been an unabashed critic of the late Manohar Parrikar since time immemorial, bemoaning his 'know-it-all' demeanour, arrogant disposition, and autocratic modus operandi, I find myself nodding in agreement with these recent exposés. The eulogies about Parrikar's legacy and the grand ‘Memorial’ (Samadhi) erected by the BJP-led government under Chief Minister Pramod Sawant have left me scratching my head.

What legacy are we referring to exactly?
From anointing to appointing the first non-Goan as Chief Minister, a curious choice in a state deeply proud of its 'Goenkarponn', to orchestrating the physical removal of opposition MLAs by disguising police officers as 'Marshals' in the Assembly. Parrikar's actions hardly paint the picture of a legend. They rather expose a mind tainted by corruption and an insatiable hunger for power.

The supposedly 'intelligent' Parrikar, who somehow missed the memo on the importance of 'Good Friday' and attempted to cancel it as a public holiday, also conveniently scheduled the IFFI closing ceremony to coincide with the feast of St. Francis Xavier, showcasing a not-so-subtle touch of communal politics.

Let's not forget his attempts to scrap Gandhi Jayanti as a holiday, hand over government schools to an RSS trust, and produce a documentary on the Inquisition to be included in history books for students – a series of decisions that reflect a rather biased and divisive agenda.

Citizens daring to criticize his regime were not spared. From orchestrated raids on respected figures like Dr. Francisco Colaco and businessman Datta Naik during 2002-2004, to the unresolved case of a school rape victim, Parrikar's tenure was far from a utopia.
Even in 2012, after his return to power, hooligans and goons were reportedly let loose on activists discussing the ill-effects of illegal mining in Margao, showcasing a darker side to the U-turn Chief Minister's rule.

Parrikar's promise to evict casinos from the Mandovi River morphed into a U-turn, with their numbers multiplying. The assurance that Mopa airport would mainly handle cargo now appears to be a distant dream, as Dabolim faces the threat of losing passenger flights.

As Opposition leader, Parrikar demanded the return of vast tracts of Goa's land held by the Navy and army, but as Defence Minister, he conveniently overlooked this opportunity. His plan to organize a defence expo at the Betul-Naqueri plateau raised concerns that it might end up as a gift to the armed forces.

The late Chief Minister's legacy, if we can call it that, paints a picture of a highly manipulative, vindictive, arrogant, and communal leader. While there's a societal norm to refrain from speaking ill of the departed, history records the misdeeds of cruel dictators, and Parrikar, in his own league, deserves scrutiny.

Supporters highlight the bridges built during his tenure as Chief Minister as a testament to his development legacy. However, these are merely infrastructural upgrades. Where is the evidence of human development? Bribes persist, citizens navigate multiple visits to government offices for basic services, and files move at a glacial pace. Is this progress?

Back in June 2016, I wrote an article titled "Manohar Parrikar Failed Panjim for Two Decades as its MLA." It pointed out the capital city's woes, submerged after a one-hour shower, and blamed Parrikar for neglecting Panjim during his 20-year stint as MLA.
Monserrate, as Revenue minister and Panjim MLA, seems to be onto something when he attributes the current mess in the capital city to Parrikar's legacy and raises questions about corruption during the late Chief Minister's tenure.

At the same time, I am not exonerating Monserrate of his sins of commission and omission in public life as a politician. He too has skeletons in his closet.

However it's time to re-evaluate the Manohar Parrikar myth, for sometimes, the truth reveals itself in unexpected outbursts.