In a significant development ahead of the Zilla Panchayat polls in Goa, Revolutionary Goans (RG) legislator Viresh Borkar has levelled serious allegations against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The MLA has questioned the inordinate delay by the returning officer in granting permissions for campaign vehicles equipped with sound systems, accusing the BJP of misusing government machinery to handicap the opposition.
Allegations of Deliberate Delay and Bias
MLA Viresh Borkar stated that the model code of conduct mandates that such permissions be granted within 24 hours. However, for his party's applications, specifically in the Tiswadi constituency, there has been an unexplained delay of three days. Borkar emphasized that while permissions were promptly issued to other political parties, RG's applications were stuck in a bureaucratic maze.
"BJP is using government machinery to work against the opposition," Borkar asserted, outlining the core of his complaint. He detailed the frustrating run-around his party workers received when seeking answers. "We asked them why our permissions are delayed. The police said our application has not reached them. The deputy collector said the report from the traffic police has not been received," the MLA explained, highlighting the contradictory reasons provided by different officials.
Campaign Disruption and Alleged Pressure on Officials
The legislator further claimed that the BJP is actively pressuring government officials to boycott and delay processes for RG's Zilla Panchayat candidates. This alleged interference, according to Borkar, is severely disrupting their election strategy and ground-level outreach.
"Instead of meeting people and going door to door to campaign, we are forced to continuously follow up with the deputy collector and the returning officer," Borkar lamented. This diversion of effort and time, he implied, is a tactical move by the ruling party to undermine RG's campaign efficiency in the crucial final stages before the polls.
Broader Implications for Electoral Fairness
This incident raises pertinent questions about the impartial implementation of the model code of conduct in Goa. The allegations, if proven, point to a misuse of administrative power that could skew the level playing field essential for democratic elections. The delay in granting basic campaign permissions not only hampers a party's outreach but also sets a concerning precedent for the treatment of opposition voices in the state's electoral process. The focus now shifts to whether the election authorities will intervene to address these grievances and ensure that all parties can campaign under equitable conditions as mandated by law.
