India’s Goa election agenda includes land rights and the environment

Locals cannot afford to buy an apartment, a house, or a plot on land in Goa because the real estate market has soared. Atish Fernandes, who owns the Joseph Bar in capital Panjim, stated that the prices of Goa’s real estate have been driven sky-high by those who want to get a piece of this paradise.

Although the state’s population is less than 2,000,000, it was home to more than 8,000,000 tourists in 2019, prior to the pandemic that decimated restaurants and left thousands without jobs. Numerous oxygen supply disruptions at the Goa Medical College COVID-19 facility led to the deaths of hundreds.

The tourism and travel industry, which is the lifeline for Goa’s economy is slowly recovering but not all jobs.

Goa has become a popular second home destination for India’s middle class, resulting in a frenetic construction industry. Fernandes explained that land rights are a major issue in Goa because the new wealth is mostly generated from the sale or development of ancestral lands and brokerage to meet growing demand.

Modi shared his vision for a Golden Goa that would be fueled by infrastructure and tourism at a rally held in Goa’s central area on Thursday. The Aam Aadmi Party, based in Delhi, and the opposition Congress both promise sustainable development, jobs, and a corrupt-free government. Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress from West Bengal has plans to provide generous welfare programs for the unemployed.

Two prominent regional parties joined forces to explore their national ambitions.

What is at stake are Goa’s traditional communities such as farmers and fishermen. It is a way of life that has been harmonious with its coastal biodiversity and lush green environment for centuries.

The state has been in turmoil politically over the past few months. Popular candidates, including former chief ministers, have switched sides in their quest to win nominations. They also often shift loyalties between opposing ideologies.

According to the Association of Democratic Reforms, an independent group that works for electoral reforms, Goa has set an unprecedented record. In the 40-member Indian state assembly, 24 legislators switched parties within the last five years.

The Congress party made its nominees pledge loyalty to ensure they don’t party-hop after the polls.

In just a few short weeks, every party has disgraced themselves by making a mockery their own stated platforms, Vivek Menezes, writer, wrote in Outlook weekly magazine.

Goa’s turbulent politics are a microcosm Indias chaotic political landscape. Here, a diverse mix religious and caste identities determine the elections.

Modi’s Hindu-first politics has alienated Muslims and other minorities, but the BJP has won two national elections. However, Modi’s rise in unemployment and a long-running farmers protest outside New Delhi have eroded its power.

Only 25% of Goa’s population is Christian, a region often depicted by Bollywood as a Westernized Enclave that attracts foreign tourists to party on its sandy beaches and views dominated by its historic Catholic churches. More than 66% are Hindus in Goa.

Despite some controversy surrounding statements regarding rebuilding Hindu temples damaged by the Portuguese, the Hindu majoritarian agenda for the BJP had to accommodate the minority Christian community as it sought to win elections.

The BJP in Goa fielded 12 Catholic candidates in Monday’s election, while Congress nominated 17.

The narrow streets of Panjim’s Fontainhas are lined with Portuguese-style homes, bars, and other buildings. Fontainhas is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is steeped into the colonial history Goa, a Portuguese-controlled territory, from 1961 to 1961.

The Joseph Bar is nestled between Fontainhass’ ancient buildings. Many regret the inevitable changes that free market brings, particularly in an economy where every third person works in tourism.

Fernandes stated that the local stakeholders and voters are always looking back at their past and what they have gained. Asking an average Goan what they want, he will tell you that he wants the same life he had 15 to 20 years ago.