Music legend
Goa’s legendary music icon Remo Fernandes gave his final live performance recently at the UK Goan Festival (Goa Day 2026) in Hounslow, London, with his band, the Microwave Papadums. Despite performing seated because of illness, he received a thunderous welcome as fans continuously chanted his name and sang along to his timeless hits. Before beginning, Remo briefly explained his health condition and was met with warm applause. He once again created magic with classics like ‘O Meri Munni’, ‘Bombay City’, ‘Ocean Queen’, ‘Humma’, and ‘O Maria Pitache’, while showcasing his trademark flute, acoustic and electric guitar skills. Remo will always be remembered for addressing social and political issues through his songs and for remaining committed to genuine live music. God bless Remo for enriching Goa with his music, inspiring generations, and entertaining audiences for decades. May he enjoy good health and continue inspiring young Goan musicians.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Opposition unity
As a long-time observer of Goan politics, I see no way the BJP can be unseated in Goa unless the Opposition, particularly the Congress, becomes organised and rises above personal ambitions. There appears to be a power struggle within the top Congress leadership, where selfish interests are taking precedence over Goa’s interests, while the BJP continues to benefit from this infighting. I do not ask but demand that the Congress focus on dismantling the BJP government by allying with key Opposition parties in the state. Goa cannot afford any more arrogance from the Congress leadership. If the BJP returns to power again, the Congress will bear the greatest responsibility for that outcome. While the Congress cannot be fully trusted with the preservation and protection of Goa, it is certainly a better alternative than the BJP.
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
Mindset change
A change in mindset and course correction is urgently needed across all states. The reluctantly forced-to-resign Union education minister was reportedly welcomed in Parliament with garlands, while the ruling party returned to business as usual. Students, along with social activist Sonam Wangchuk, were left protesting at Jantar Mantar as authorities curtailed peaceful demonstrations by cutting internet services and closing metro stations. Police action followed, with lumpen elements allegedly infiltrating the movement, leading to injuries, FIRs and cases against so-called “anti-national” students. A 15-year-old girl’s outburst against Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited threats before an apology ended the matter. It is absurd to condemn street language while Parliament witnesses personal and derogatory exchanges. The Prime Minister and Union Home Minister Amit Shah must accept responsibility. Parliament exists to debate policy, scrutinise expenditure, question ministers and uphold free speech. True progress lies in ensuring equality and enough for the many who still have far too little.
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
Message from Bankipur
Never in the recent past has the result of a single byelection evoked such widespread national interest as the Bankipur bypoll in Bihar. Hardly, nine months after his inexperienced Jan Suraaj Party was routed in the Bihar Assembly elections, Prashant Kishor stormed a BJP bastion with a thumping victory in the Bankipur bypoll. The outcome would be all the more painful for the BJP which heads the ruling coalition in the state, as its president Nitin Nabin had vacated the seat after his election to the Rajya Sabha. The byelection to three Assembly seats — one each in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, was the first poll battle after Gen Z protests rocked the BJP-led Union government over the NEET paper leak and other issues. The success of the Jantar Mantar agitation has given out a clear message to all parties: The upcoming Assembly in six states, including Goa early next year will witness will be a challenge for the BJP and Opposition.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Political signals
The BJP’s recent byelection defeats in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh have prompted speculation that public sentiment may be shifting against the ruling party. Although byelection results do not always predict general election outcomes, they often indicate changing voter perceptions. These setbacks have followed widespread protests by students and youth over alleged irregularities in the NEET examinations, reflecting growing concern about the integrity of national entrance tests and the need for greater accountability in the education system. The government’s handling of the issue has further intensified the debate. Another significant development is the emergence of Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party, which has made electoral gains in Bihar. Whether these gains translate into lasting political support remains uncertain, but they suggest space for new political forces. Opposition parties and youth-led movements must avoid complacency.
Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai
