Prime Minister Narendra Modi dropped several bombshells in Rajya Sabha during his speech on the Presidential address motion. His blistering attack exposed Congress leaders, who were seen numb in the House. Left with no option, the Congress party staged a walk as a face-saving formula.

 

 

Many of the points raised by Modi, maybe new for the common man. Many of them might have inadequate information on the issues raised by the Prime Minister. Most importantly, Modi's speech made several Indians ponder upon what they were taught since childhood. One of the points was about Goa.

 

As a child, I was taught that Goa was liberated in 1961. I used to feel proud that Goa, which was part of India, was finally liberated from the Portuguese. But as a child, I was never taught why it took almost 15 years for Goa to enjoy freedom. I never thought why the freedom of Goa was delayed by 15 years when the rest of India became free in 1947.

 

Modi’s speech answered all my queries, which I never attended seriously in the past. The issue is serious not only from the point of view of the people of Goa but, I, an Indian, also expect Congress to come out with a satisfactory explanation on the question posed by the Prime Minister. Compared to the then British rule, Portugal was a very small country. Some diplomatic serious efforts might have made Goa free with India. As said by Narendra Modi, some strategy on the line of Junagadh and Hyderabad might have made Goa free from the foreign rule. Neither of these happened. And, it did not happen because the Congress party was never committed to the geographical integrity of India. Goa liberation was never on the agenda of Congress. Whatever it did or posed to do was unwillingness and great reluctance.

 

What is Congress’ explanation of Pt Nehru’s speech on Red Fort? If Pt Nehru was more concerned with his international image, it is a betrayal to the people of Goa and India. Pt Nehru publicly announced that he would never deploy an army to liberate Goa. The words Pt Nehru chose in his speech sounded arrogant and irresponsible. It reflects a casual approach towards the people of Goa, who were as Indians as others.

 

It was a movement by the people of Goa and from neighboring states of Maharashtra and Karnataka who fought for the Goa liberation. Instead of supporting, encouraging, and extending moral support to them, Pt Nehru chose to distance himself from freedom fighters by wishing them the best of luck. What was proprietary to remind these freedom fighters of `principles of satyagraha’. All this could happen only if one is not emotionally attached to the integrity of India. This would not have happened if the then Prime Minister was committed to the geographical integrity of India as equal as Sardar Patel, who is credited with merging princely states. Patel could do this as he had deep faith in integral India. Was it not the case of Pt. Nehru?

 

Now the Congress, which was then led by Pt Nehru and now his great-grandson and great-granddaughter is seeking votes from the people of Goa. For Gandhi's family, Goa is still nothing but a weekend tourist destination. For them, Goa is only to enjoy beaches and lifestyle.

 

The Congress mindset is a cause of concern as the party is now doubtful of the nationhood of India. It believes that India is merely a union of States and not a nation. Negligence, irresponsible attitude, and arrogance towards any part of the nation come out of this mindset. People of Goa should never forgive Congress for this historical blunder.

 

Another point, which was referred to by Narendra Modi was the sacking of Hridaynath Mangeshkar from All India Radio for composing a patriotic song penned by Veer Savarkar. People need no explanation of the relationship between Hridaynath and Goa. Mangeshkar family's name is sufficient to understand everything. The man, who took patriotism to the household through his songs, was humiliated for his patriotism by the same Congress rulers. This is not an individual instant. It was a blatant rejection of the rich cultural tradition of Goa.

Does Congress have any moral right to seek votes in Goa?