Democracy betryaed, cries Civil Society on Mayor election issue
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 20 March 2013 17:14 IST
Civil society has reacted sharply to the action of postponing elections of Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Panaji, calling it most undemocratic and dictatorial attitude.
Chief minister Manohar Parrikar, also the Panaji MLA, is under heavy criticism as the government today suddenly postponed the elections, where opposition-supported Surendra Furtado was to be elected the new Mayor.
Dr Oscar Rebello, a social activist who was active in Panaji Corporation election through People’s Initiative for Change (PINC), termed it as shady and dishonourable act.
“The PINC is angry and saddened that the CCP Mayor elections are postponed for flimsiest reason. The ruling party must realise that it is better to lose honourably than resort to such kind of tactics”, said Dr Rebello.
Calling it an arrogant action, Adv Aires Rodrigues said that you cannot always win in democracy and must be ready to accept the defeat graciously.
In his usual sarcastic style, he also suggested to CNN-IBN to withdraw the Politician of the Year Award given to Parrikar and replace it with Demon Politician of the Year Award.
“Goans had high hopes that through his promised Parivartan, Manohar Parrikar would deliver good governance. But Goa unfortunately has landed from the frying pan into the fire”, he said.
Adv Yatish Naik, another young social activist, pointed out that the government through this action has violated the basic spirit of the 74th amendment to the Constitution.
“I am not bothered about the political groups but setting such bad trends lead to taking democracy on a back track”, said Adv Naik.
