Political cauldron
With the 2027 state Assembly elections approaching, political drums beat louder as anti-incumbency sets in against the Sawant regime. Turncoats, veterans, and Opposition forces are gearing up for a high-octane battle. Benaulim Assembly constituency has become the epicenter of this struggle. Seasoned warhorses Churchill Alemao and Francisco Xavier ‘Mickky’ Pacheco seek comebacks, while youth leader Warren Alemao eyes his debut. However, standing in their way is incumbent AAP MLA Venzy Viegas, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash. Broader shifts add to the intrigue. Nostalgia surrounds the potential revival of the United Goans Democratic Party, while Opposition strategists target BJP MLA Ulhas Tuenkar in Catholic-dominant Navelim. Meanwhile, the Congress has gained momentum through its Goy Rakhonn Yatra, bolstered by Rahul Gandhi. As regional realignments take shape, the 2027 elections are proving to be a fierce referendum on long-term incumbency and Goa’s political identity.
Everette Assis Telles, Margao
Looming water crisis
In response to Goa’s looming water shortage, the government proposes appointing inspectors to curb wastage and appealing to citizens for judicious potable water use. How can the administration ignore that the major contributor to this crisis is the relentless approval granted to mega construction developments and super-luxury villa projects in our villages—where each villa boasts its own private swimming pool? If the government is truly serious about addressing the imminent water crisis in the months ahead, its first decisive step must be an immediate ban on all mega projects and multi-villa developments with individual swimming pools across the state and villages.
Rosario Menezes, Vasco
Power addiction
For many, local self-governing bodies are stepping stones to the coveted MLA’s chair. Victory demands immense expenditure, money, muscle, and influence over qualifications. Yet it brings prestige and access to state machinery, often resulting in dramatically improved personal fortunes. Once elected, recovering election expenses overshadows public service. Money takes the front seat while merit takes a back seat. MLAs reasonably require facilities, but salaries, allowances, and pensions must remain transparent and proportionate. Allegations of commissions, recruitment favouritism, and unexplained wealth demand impartial investigation. Public office requires absolute scrutiny; declared assets of representatives must align with known income. When elections become capital investments and office yields expected returns, democracy degrades into a business enterprise. Voters place their trust while accountability becomes the casualty. A true public servant asks, “How long can I serve?” An addict of power asks, “How long can I remain?” That distinction defines democracy’s future.
Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
Youth’s strength
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) must continue standing against injustice and voicing the concerns of ordinary citizens nationwide. The CJP-led protests effectively busted the myth that under-30 youth are merely glued to mobile phones and inherently apolitical. By taking to the streets, enduring injuries from police action, and refusing to back down until their main demand was met, these young protesters demonstrated mature political awareness and a deep understanding of democracy. Furthermore, this agitation punctured the BJP’s belief that every protest can be neutralised by invoking national security. Branding democratic protests as anti-national will not succeed; in a democracy, citizens must hold the government accountable when it goes wrong. However, protests should never descend into anarchy. Security forces must adopt a sympathetic approach, recognising that these courageous young people represent the future of our country.
Diomedes R Pereira, Corlim
A blow to Trump
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s victory, secured in extra time against his political rival Flávio Bolsonaro sends a powerful message that political resilience and popular support can overcome formidable challenges. However, winning an election is one thing; governing a deeply divided country amid economic pressures and international uncertainties is quite another. Lula faces a formidable task in sustaining public confidence while delivering on his promises of inclusive growth, employment, social welfare and improved living standards to sustain public confidence. A political victory without tangible results could weaken his standing at home. Lula’s leadership also matters to the wider developing world. His emphasis on strategic autonomy and cooperation among emerging economies resonates with countries seeking alternatives to dependence on major powers. India, too, has an interest in a multipolar world where national priorities are respected. Ultimately, Trump’s disappointment would underline a simple democratic principle: the people of a sovereign country, not a foreign President, must decide their political future.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
