New forces rise, old parties falter
The Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and the DMK in Tamil Nadu have faced a clear rejection from voters, who opted for change. The long-dominant parties were voted out, paving the way for new political forces, with the BJP and TVK emerging strongly in these states. In Kerala and Assam, the UDF and BJP respectively registered significant outcomes, while in the Union Territory of Puducherry, the BJP asserted its presence. Across four states and one Union Territory, voters backed the BJP in Assam, West Bengal and Puducherry, while Tamil Nadu saw a decisive mandate in favour of TVK, which secured 108 seats. The BJP made substantial gains, adding 127 seats, while the TMC suffered a loss of 132 seats. A key factor behind these results appears to be voter turnout and the impact of the Election Commission’s SIR exercise, which led to revisions in electoral rolls, influencing voter participation. The outcome reflects a growing demand for change, with issues such as development and employment for youth expected to take centre stage. Overall, the results indicate a shift away from long-standing political dominance in states like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
Raju Ramamurthy, Vasco
New political order
The verdicts in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala have demonstrated that no one is indispensable in politics. The DMK, which was riding high and even overconfident of securing more than 200 seats to form the government in Tamil Nadu, has been pushed to a setback by emerging political forces and actor Vijay, who is now likely to form the government. Both major Dravidian parties had initially dismissed him as a novice. However, much like MGR, Vijay has proven to be the choice of voters who were looking for an alternative to what they perceived as an inefficient DMK government. The previous administration is being seen as having relied largely on publicity over the past five years, with limited tangible development. Its confrontational approach towards the Central Government is also believed to have not gone down well with the electorate. Despite completing a full term, several civic issues remain unresolved, including pending drainage works, deteriorating roads and concerns over law and order. It is now hoped that the new leadership will focus on developmental work rather than publicity.
Capt N Viswanathan, Coimbatore
Political witch hunt
Two non-bailable FIRs have been filed by the Punjab Police against AAP MP Sandeep Pathak, days after he switched over to the BJP. The timing of the action has raised questions, with allegations of political vendetta and misuse of state machinery to intimidate him. Critics argue that if there was merit in the cases, they should have been registered earlier, and question why action has been taken only after his move to the BJP. This has led to speculation that either he was shielded while he was part of the AAP despite alleged wrongdoing, or that the cases lack substance. At the same time, allegations and counter-allegations of selective action have long marked political discourse, with rival parties accusing each other of shielding or targeting individuals based on political alignment. The controversy has once again highlighted concerns over the politicisation of investigative processes. The matter continues to draw sharp reactions, with both sides trading accusations over the use of law enforcement agencies for political ends.
Misha, Varca
Goa’s Portuguese heritage
The Portuguese language is one of the most beautiful languages in the world and holds special significance for Goans. Goa was under Portuguese rule for 451 years, and many Goans have since acquired Portuguese nationality. As a result, the language continues to share a deep cultural and emotional connection with the people of the state. World Portuguese Language Day was officially proclaimed by UNESCO in 2019 to recognise the language’s global influence and its role in human civilisation. It is observed annually on May 5. Today, around 265 million people speak Portuguese worldwide, either as citizens of Portugal or in countries and regions that were once part of the Portuguese empire. In parts of Goa, including the Latin quarters of Fontainhas and St Tome, as well as several areas of South Goa, Portuguese is still spoken. Elements of Portuguese culture also endure, reflected in music, traditions and everyday life. It may be recalled that ‘Os LusÃadas’, written by the renowned Portuguese poet LuÃs de Camões, is an epic poem comprising 8,816 lines and is regarded as one of the longest poems in the world. The poem is widely available online, including on YouTube, where it is recited in full. Goans can mark Portuguese Language Day by sharing greetings in Portuguese on social media and celebrating the enduring legacy of the language. Wishing everyone in Goa a Happy Portuguese Language Day.
Stephen Dias, Dona Paula
