By Aires Rodrigues.
Lack of an effective Opposition is the biggest threat Goa faces today. With the current government being reduced to a virtual one man show there is no room left for even the muzzled Ministers and ruling MLA’s to speak out. Manohar Parrikar has mastered the art of justifying all his decisions and U turns. For democracy to survive there is need of astrong and vibrant Opposition to combat and expose this fallacy of theChief Minister.
With that justification “for the sake of development and progress”some of the “Independents” and other MLAs have been singing the ruling chorus possibly in an apparent hope to share some remaining crumbs ofthe spoils of office. In a democracy, the opposition plays asimportant a role as the government. For a strong and viablegovernment, an equally strong and viable opposition is a must. Such anopposition is the secret to the success of democracy.
The continued Corruption, nepotism and maladministration are obstacles in the growth of a cohesive social and political life in Goa and this can be checked by a vigilant opposition. By being vigilant, the opposition prevents the government from sliding into complacency.
The Opposition must be tough, because the voice of a weak opposition will be a cry in the wilderness. It is true that in a democracy, the majority will have their way, but the voice of the minority which must also be heard can be a formidable tool of influence. Opposition is one of the tripod stands in a democracy that must play its role actively for the system to nurture and grow. They should act out of anxiety andconcern that the democratic freedom is not lost. The safeguarding of democratic freedom is very essential. Opposition must restore the Government’s lost sense of direction by its crucial, creative,critical and constructive criticism.
Opposition should have the courage of its conviction by using it to the optimum level to enlighten the masses by objectively analyzing thegovernment’s drawbacks. They must always exhibit the qualities of imagination, integrity, independence and incorruptibility forged by aspirit of idealism. By possessing a vision and understanding to tackle the immense problems facing the people, after an objective analysis,it should be able to come up with worthwhile and long-lasting solutions.
Democracy implies the rule of the majority, which can turnauthoritarian in the absence of a strong opposition. The ruling party tends to develop dictatorial and tyrannical tendencies, if there is nostrong opposition. And all these unhealthy signs are already there forall to see in the functioning of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. Avocal and sturdy opposition functions as a deterrent. It prevents andchecks misuse of authority by the ruling party.
In his earlier innings as Chief Minister Mr. Manohar Parrikar attempted to muzzle the press and had even served a shabbily draftedlegal notice on editors of all newspapers. If he is able to once againmanipulate and control the fourth estate it will be the last nail onGoa’s coffin. Like an effective and strong opposition the presence ofa free and unbiased press is indispensable for any democracy tosurvive.
