CCP POLLS -- A VICTORY IN DEFEAT by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar

Politics and elections today are no longer a noble mission. It’s a business profession where candidates invest to reap high dividends. My decision to contest the just concluded elections to the Corporation of City of Panaji was however with a commitment to dedicate my time and energy for the all round development of Ribandar and welfare of its residents.

Instead of watching the mess from the sidelines, I felt it would be better to be a participant in the cleansing process of the corruption and scandal ridden CCP. Besides, many people from Panjim, and from elsewhere in Goa, felt that I could play a pivotal role in highlighting the corruption and ensuring accountability and transparency at the CCP. Obviously a few persons were apprehensive and feared my presence there.

I threw my hat in the ring as I had nothing to lose, besides the 23 ays that I would be spending in the campaign. I was pitted against hree formidable candidates and three sitting MLA’s – Babush onseratte, Manohar Parrikar and Victoria Fernandes -- aggressively ampaigned against me. To add to this brigade was the Parish Priest of ibandar Fr. Alcantra Rodrigues who also roared in with vengeance. His role was in total violation of the election code of conduct which prohibits temples, churches and mosques from being used for political propaganda. In the spirit of true Christian charity and with faith in God may I forgive him.

I was expecting the BJP to back me, at least as a gesture for the open support I have given them over the last five years. In a way this election was an opportunity for me to have a first hand experience of BJP’s true colors and its non-secular credentials.

In fact, had the BJP risen above party politics and their ego by making some adjustment in other wards too, the scam ridden current ruling group could have been pushed to the corner.

On our part, we had a very dignified, clean and low budget campaign. There was no money to dole out, no muscles to flex and no alcohol to flow. Despite that 341 voters stood out to vote for me. I salute them all with utmost humility -- 341 voters who withstood the pressure of money and muscle power that was on display by some of the rival candidates all through the campaign. In that sense, my defeat is infact a victory of sorts.

Also, we have to commend the voters of the adjoining ward No 29 who, like in the last CCP polls, this time around too did not succumb to the temptation of the money that was flowing.

In Ward No 30 we had a very clear agenda, outlined with precision in our nine point manifesto, which I was committed to achieve within a year, so that the face of Ribandar would change for the better for once.

Whether in my defeat Ribandar too has lost, only time will tell. But I am sure the winners and beneficiaries of this my defeat are my family, in particular my two young daughters who will be getting now more of my time and attention. They must be truly grateful to the voters – perhaps other than those 341 -- of Ward No 30 for the manner in which the votes were cast by them on March 13. My commitment however to the people of Goa and Ribandar in particular shall never die. The battle against corruption and injustice can never end.