Elections considered ''second opinion poll'' in Goa

Panaji, June 1 (UNI) Tomorrow's election to the 40-member Goa Legislative Assembly is being considered as the ''second opinion Poll'' with people asked to choose between ''cleaner, greener and progressive'' Goa and a ''defaced State with mafia raj, instability and horse trading as its hallmark''.

However, for BJP's chief ministerial candidate Manohar Parrikar, it is something different.

''It is an election for second liberation of Goa from the forces of corruption and land sharks,'' he asserted, adding that the BJP would be given a massive mandate so that it could come back power to form a government for the Goans.

''There is no question of seeking suport of other parties in case the BJP does not get majority. We can take the suport of Ms Nirmala Sawant (independent) contesting against transport minister Pandurang Madkaikar in Cumbarjua and Mathanhy Saldanha (UGDP) who had stood by me during the 2004-05 crisis throughout,'' he said.

It is for Mathanhy to decide how he could support my govenment, by leaving the UGDP or otherwise if necessary, he added.

Mr Parrikar has warned that he may approch the Press Council of India or Court and also the Election Commission of India under Representation of Peoples' Act, for initiating stern action against those including in a ''vituperative and defamatory'' campaign against the BJP.

Many NGOs and other organisations have projected the current election as ''the second opinion poll'', the first held on January 16, 1967 to decide whether Goa should be merged with Maharashtra as proposed by the Maharashtrawdi Gomantak Party (MGP) or its rival United Goans Party which has favoured separate identity for Goa.

The people, led by Dr Jack Sequeira considered the father of the opinion poll held uder the Central Election Commission, gave a massive mandate for a united Goa.

Sequeira's statue was recently erected at Miramar Junction in memory of his role to keep Goan identity intact.

Those who mobilised masses for the opinion poll like Deputy speaker Ms Victoria Fernandes, now contesting from Sant Cruz as Congress nominee, had asked the electorate to treat the election as second opinion poll as she fought against the forces from within the party.

The second opinion poll issue came up with several ''turncoats'' and ''land sharks'' that attempted to sell away Goa in the name of controversial Regional Plan-2011 also are in the fray this time.

UNI