Ajith Vijay Kumar

Talk of political instability and Goa stands as the frontrunner for the trophy. The sun-kissed tourist paradise, notwithstanding the jovial populace, surely has had it tough.


Of the many reasons behind the volatility is the small size of Goa Assembly – 40 members. However, as there are other states of similar size that enjoy prolonged political stability, the flux has other reasons too, chief among them being the states’ divided polity with one or two MLAs parties being the norm rather than the exception.


Right from the powerful Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party to Goa Vikas Party of Mickky Pacheco, every party, every MLA holds the power to change equations in the state which traditionally had Congress and BJP fighting it out for the top slot. Plentiful riches of state flush with tourist dollars and iron ore (Goa is the biggest exporter of iron ore in India) also acts as a catalyst for some.


Adding to the conundrum is entry of influential NGOs in the poll race. Among the ‘new’ candidates is Fr Bismarck Dias, who would be making history by becoming the first Christian priest to contest polls in Goa which has a sizeable Catholic population.


As Goa to polls, a tough battle lies ahead for Chief Minister Digambar Kamat of Congress whose government faces a slew of allegations of corruption and for ‘not fighting for Goa the way Goans love it.’