Goa is in a state of flux at present. This is a generally literate state, with a western fusion type of culture - not just because of the long Portuguese occupation - but also because migration has long been an accepted and much used way of life.

Migration was initially true only of the Christian converts but today it encompasses all religions and we see the majority Hindu community too migrating.

However, the people who reside in the state, either by choice or because they have no choice, are finding themselves increasingly marginalised and playing a less and less important role in the governing of the state.

Today the politicos – the new bluebloods on the throne - have managed their electoral strategies so well that they know that by ‘managing’ about 20 per cent of the electorate they are home free.

All parties - earlier the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and now the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress use tried and tested means and tools to win elections.

As part of the larger strategy, the BJP uses the Muslims to create a bogey man and try and unite its core constituency while the Congress uses the BJP and its sometimes avowedly communal agenda to ensure that the minority vote comes to it. And all do it irrespective of how badly and openly anti-Goan or selfish an dself centered their policies may be.

And the Goans are caught between the devil and the deep sea. But mostly out of their own choosing.

For example: on one hand it is the local priest or bhat or mullah asking him - nay telling him or her to vote for a particular person from a particular party, never mind that your eyes and ears tell you that the person has not done anything for the community, has openly flouted all regulation and rules. And added to that, has amassed wealth beyond imagination.   

So instead of going against the current, the majority buckle down, take a few free meals and drinks, listen to their religious gurus or opinion makers and cast their vote as told.

And we get the leader, rather rulers, we deserve so we should not crib. And then we get no water or electricity or sewage or parking but mega housing projects, political instability, non functional government, blatant corruption, no rule of law, robberies, pathetic transport system, drugs... 

If I go on it would become a rant.