The recent confrontation in Calangute between the two political heavyweights, namely Calangute MLA Michel Lobo and Calangute Dpty. Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira is the clear sign of the fierce events to take place all over Goa. It is said “once tasted, Lion will never give up the blood (power)”. Both my friends are very popular in Calangute constituency. As an MLA, Mr. Lobo has done a good developmental work in the constituency as no MLA in the past has done but that does not mean he did a favour, on the contrary Mr. Lobo has done his duty for which he was elected. However, he surely deserves compliments for doing his duty well in fulfilment of his given promises. Where all other previous MLA’s failed Mr. Lobo succeeded in Calangute constituency.
Mr. Lobo is become a Lokhpriya in Calangute constituency and being so his candidature for BJP is a forgone conclusion. Last time also with the support of Joseph Sequeira, Mr. Lobo won his Seat but will it happen again minus Joseph support? It is doubtful especially when the wave is anti BJP mainly because of its communal agenda even though Lobo is liked by the constituents there. But Lobo is bound to follow the party diktats in which case he will have to surrender to the party decision meekly however much he may dislike those dictates because party is supreme otherwise he will be castigated. He may be Secular, Non-Communal and Pro-Goan but his party is not. That means he has to follow his party’s principles.
On the other side, Congress party has not so far declared its party candidate for Calangute Constituency though two names are making noise, one of Joseph Sequeira who enjoys better public support and the other of last defeated candidate who if re-nominated there is every possibility for history to repeat and again Congress to lose and lose miserably because now people do not want candidates who are proud, revengeful, arrogant and those who accumulate wealth thru illicit means.
The best option for Congress and other parties trying to unseat the BJP is to get together under one Umbrella which is of paramount importance. If non-BJP parties want to contest the Calangute Seat independently and individually then all are going to lose and lose miserably. This is the reality in Calangute Constituency.
A.Veronica Fernandes.