Goa is no stranger to controversies. Almost every day, a new scandal or controversy comes to light. The people of Goa have become so immune to them that new revelations no longer shock or surprise anyone.
In recent times, the state has been rocked by one controversy after another. Scandals are emerging at such a rapid pace that both the public and even the media have stopped keeping track. A new issue surfaces before the previous one fades away. We Goans seem to have grown accustomed to this, and hardly anyone reacts anymore.
Earlier, when major corruption scandals were exposed by the media, people would take to the streets to express their anger, forcing the government to act. Nowadays, the media has become a mute spectator, reduced to merely reporting events. Opposition parties too have turned largely silent, taking up selective issues only through social media posts or press releases. Hardly anyone steps out to protest these days — except when so called religious sentiments are provoked, which remains the only exception.
Otherwise, this seems to be the most ideal situation for any government — no scrutiny, no exposes, no questioning. The Chief Minister’s standard response to every issue has become predictable: “No one will be spared; all those responsible will be behind bars.” This line has been repeated so often that it has lost all meaning.
Goa today is facing administrative paralysis and a complete breakdown of law and order. There is no fear of the law left in the state. As a result, anti-social elements commit crimes at will. Instead of punishing criminals, law-abiding citizens are often harassed. Goa has turned into a safe haven for criminals and miscreants from across the country and even abroad. The situation has deteriorated to such an extent that Goa is slowly turning into the crime capital of India.
Once the most peaceful state in the country, Goa is now paying the price for its natural beauty and peace-loving people. Everyone wants a piece of Goa, driving land prices to astronomical levels. These high stakes in land have attracted all kinds of shady and criminal elements. The laid-back Goans have been dazzled by the influx of easy money.
Today, a large number of crimes committed in the state have a property angle. A whole industry of land grabbing has emerged — from hitmen and supari killers to people specializing in evictions, demolitions, fake documents, and even government officials and politicians offering protection. It is a well-oiled criminal network, and at the rate things are moving, Goa could soon become one of the worst places to live in.
There is no light at the end of the tunnel. Most Goans have either accepted their fate or chosen to look the other way for selfish interests. Those few who dare to stand up and challenge the nexus are systematically silenced.
There is little hope left for the people of Goa. Assembly elections are due in about a year and a half, but the so-called “Goa-selling industry” has such a tight grip over politics and administration that no matter who comes to power, their agenda of destruction will continue unchecked. Sadly, it seems that no one will be able to stop the steady ruin of Goa.
