Almost 54 years ago, the people of Goa participated in a historic state-wide opinion poll. Today, the tiny state of Goa is again at that crossroad. The momentous journey that followed after the opinion poll is over, and certain grey areas have surfaced. Time has come for retrospection and an overhaul.
Has the core beliefs that guided the collective conscience of Goa in the poll of 1967 been compromised? Will the current deluge of cultural assimilation overcome our desire to maintain a distinct identity? What future awaits Goa, or rather how do we intend to shape our destiny?
As a daily that has steadfastly stood by every noble cause, GOMANTAK wishes to delve into the minds of its population and find out its views on various issues of concerns.
Yes, you guessed it right! What we have in mind is a statewide opinion poll. The poll would cover all the 1600+ polling booths across the state, and thus find representation from every nook and corner.
Today, women play multi-dimensional roles shaping their own family, and thus the entire society. Their evolution from homemakers to bread earners brings them in close contact with many contemporary realities and making their opinion more balanced than their male counterparts. Moreover, women have cradled and nurtured the culture of this land while shying away from the limelight. Their passive ways cannot hide their authority, as far as the evaluation of Goan culture and society is concerned. Thus, we have taken a conscious decision of only including women voters in the intended polls.
We aim for the polls to be apolitical, and yet have strong political signals that would shape the political narrative of the state in times to come. We plan to ask our voters to evaluate the prominent political personalities in their respective assembly segments concerning their perceived expertise and ability to deliver in just three core areas — Health, Wealth and Culture.
While health remains an issue of eternal concern, under the wealth category, the voters would adjudicate on the ability of the candidates to understand the issue of income generation, employment and equitable distribution of resources. Additionally, their opinion on culture would largely cater to issues like influx, migration and the tolerance level of the locals.
Finally, one is bound to wonder what intentions lay behind holding such a massive exercise. The answer is simple! We wish to build a broad consensus that should shape our planning processes in the next 50 years. We wish to be the stimulus that would ultimately propel the hitherto passive voters — the woman — to the centre stage of decision-making. Though the opinion poll would not be a verdict on the capabilities of various political parties operating in Goa, we would welcome their involvement in terms of canvassing for the values they hold dear to their hearts. We understand that the political system cannot be frowned upon just because of a few rotten apples. However, ultimately, it is we, the society, that provide for the manning of this system and it has a formidable control on the planning and decision making. Though limited, the system will have a definite role in these apolitical polls.
Today, the nation tries to shrug off the worries created by the pandemic and usher in the festivities of the platinum jubilee of its independence. While Goa looks to revisit its commitment to democratic ethos by way of assembly elections in the 60th year of its liberation. Now the time is ripe for an objective assessment of the bygone era, and a proactive tabulation of our priorities to come in the future. We ensure you that this poll would not be influenced by the cacophony of false promises and baseless character assassination. It would be an exercise in tranquillity aiming for a better Goa.
Come, share, participate and spread the enthusiasm so that we may have the expected response and results.