Dear Dr Pramod Sawant,
A couple of days ago, a migrant labourer was standing in line for groceries at the shop, in the sun for 40 minutes, Rs. 70 in hand. He was able to buy some rice with the money and the look on his face was very sad when he enquired about the price of pulses – Rs. 250/kg. As his friend passed by, he remarked that he could only afford to buy rice, to which his friend replied in Hindi, “boil the rice and eat it with salt, like all of us are.”
You, Sir, were hard-bent on going ahead with the Zila Parishad elections just last week and with the Shigmo festivities before that, knowing that the world was slowly shutting down. While you and your party could have utilized this time to prepare for the emergency on the horizon, your party members roamed the streets campaigning, several times a day.
A few days later, you extended the nationwide curfew by the PM and ordered a 100% lockdown across the state for 3 days on the day of the nationwide lockdown itself – completely unprepared. You promised that there wouldn’t be any shortage of essentials, and many people, believing you, bought food for 3 days. At 5 PM on Day 2, the lockdown was extended for 21 days – naturally, shops were closed and people began to panic.
Then began the limbo you put all Goans in.
“Shops will be open from 6 AM to 11 AM”
“Oh wait – no they won’t”
“You can step out only for essentials”
“Oh wait – we have police to beat you up if you do.”
“Petrol Pumps to remain closed so people will be forced to walk to stores”
“Never mind, scrap that idea.”
“Zomato and Swiggy will now deliver groceries.”
“Nope – they’ll only deliver cooked food.” (where do restaurants get supplies from to cook with, no one knows!)
It is Day 9 today and I cannot even explain how bad the situation is on the ground.
Goa was one of the first states to go under lockdown and I think all of us will agree with the necessity of it. You planned to give volunteer passes to a few people in each Panchayat to deliver groceries, which again was a good step – but the truth of it is that so far, it is still a theory.
Nobody got any volunteer passes and the scale and efficiency at which groceries are being delivered are deplorable. I also fail to understand why our groceries include nothing more than rice, dal, oil, tea, and sugar – while everywhere else in the country, Indians have no issues in getting vegetables, milk and eggs too. Make no mistake, we’re not asking for lobster and caviar – but when we had vegetables rotting at our borders at the time, was it very difficult to find a safe way to transport them to our neighbourhood stores?
The day before yesterday, you decided to close petrol pumps for the general public without any warning. How does anyone handle an emergency in Goa – medical or otherwise, without a vehicle when there is no lockdown, let alone when there is! You say you want to refrain people from driving a vehicle to buy groceries. You have stationed police to actually beat up people and impound vehicles going to grocery stores. Is every Goan supposed to keep walking to a few stores and come back empty-handed after finding shops shut, four times a day, in the scorching heat?
How does this tie in with your objective of keeping people indoors? By keeping a few shops open for a couple of hours a day, could you explain how you imagine people will stay indoors and not rush to stores for groceries all at once – paying no heed to social distancing when there is no certainty that the store will be open and have groceries tomorrow?
You have ordered CRPF personnel to be stationed across the state and have given them free hand to control the situation. Do you really think that beating your own citizens and foreigners with state-sponsored paramilitary is going to “solve” the situation? Or do you expect hungry people to sit in their houses and wait for your hand of providence – if and when it arrives?
Yes, you have stationed two food banks in Goa for the public, one each in the North and South. Great initiatives. But how are people to get there with no petrol and with cops sending them back? I personally have been to the two petrol pumps in my village every day for the last 3 days to find them both closed.
A few days ago you went back on your decision of a lockdown and said that the citizens will be responsible for the outbreak? It is pathetic to have a leader making a statement like that at a crucial time – and to blame the public for a situation that is born out of your lack of leadership.
Do we need to bring your attention to the state of affairs at our hospitals, Doctor? If food supplies are not reaching people, it would have been understandable if you were diverting your focus to improving our hospitals to deal with a health crisis instead. But when a man who tested positive was sent back home after the test – and no ambulance was sent to pick him up after the error was discovered – putting every other person who came in contact with him and the cousin who drove him back to the hospital – at risk, it’s safe to assume that our medical facilities are not up to par, either.
You, Sir, seem to have taken no inspiration from the honourable Dr. Parrikar, whose picture you keep at the side of your seat in your office – a man who excelled at administration and who would have set the ball rolling on Day 1. You haven’t been acting the way a Chief Minister should at all! And why is that? Isn’t this your state to run? Honestly, I feel like your government exists to serve casinos and miners only. Who cares about the starving public?
It’s time for you to get your act together or step aside and let a leader take charge – as simple as that. It’s either that or you will be removed for good when the next election comes around. Right now, people are running out of patience, and have no faith in the rules you put out and revoke at the drop of a hat.
The little support you have managed to garner from the public stems largely from those who have stockpiled essentials and are sorted for the next few weeks. Today’s newspaper states that trucks carrying vegetables will be allowed in Goa – but who can believe that this decision won’t be revoked by lunchtime?
You, and only you, Dr. Sawant are to take responsibility for anything that happens in the state – good or bad. Do better.
From,
A Goan.
Excellent Post ! Nailed it precisely. A joker of an administration that’s only for the casinos, mining, construction lobby and to loot the public at every opportunity. No care about Goans and their plight. The manner in which people are being beaten back and blue is deplorable. A sign of the times to come with these people in power.
Very few know value of life live don’t change the plans of Almighty even the most holy have not done it .let you words reach your mind re think to live
Makes no difference to Mr Nutmeg .He is out of order and should be discarded once d horror is over.
Only if we survive till the horror is over.
Our CM handled the situation very badly. A very incompetent man at the helm n can destroy the Goans. He knows nothing. There are no stores open. Common people are beaten on the street. Is that what you do for your citizens? You brought the CRPF n make the life of Goans hell. You are a useless CM. You could take help prominent Goans who would easily help. You are a liar like your PM at the Centre. We will teach you a lesson, if you don’t help the Goans n stop the bashing of common man on the road. We are all indoors but you have risked our lives n caused us a lot of harm.
This story is a fact which everybody will agree with because this is what happened but that migrant labour with 70 rs and can’t afford does not go very well with it, they earn far more better then most of our goan youth who r doing private job, which they entirely send to thier village n buy land there, Goa is like DUBAI for them any goan will agree with this…
Guess we have to accept some things about our CM: –
1) He likes to limbo; unfortunately he’s not really a good choreographer.
2) He believes that selling tickets to a concert beats orchestrating it properly.
3) He feels that if a ballet is ruined the choreographer is not responsible.
4) He expects that we should hate the dance and not the choreographer.
We do need a very competent, reliable person at the helm of affairs in this hour of our needs. We can not rely on our CM who is more like a showpiece. If we were told to have a lockdown so be it, it’s for our benefit but who is going to make the arrangements for the food. Today is the 9th day whatever was stored is getting over. So ppl have to move out but are scared because since our CM could not manage, he called the CRPF to beat up the people. This is adding salt to our wounds. It’s a shame.
Very apt and timely.A senior citizen myself I wonder in a small state with around 1500000 can be so easily managed.I have been home delivered goodies like Plum cake and mutton masala along with a calender from our respected MLA during Christmas/New year but now find myself clueless about which number to contact for home delivery because all the nos circulating in social media are either switched off or non responsive.Sorru state of affairs indeed.The CM shpuld take tutorials from.Bigger states like Maharashtra and Orisa
Spot on!!
I couldn’t have written this better myself!! 🙂
And I would have actually got down to doing it, if we hadn’t been so busy trying (in our own little ways) to help clean up the mess that this CM has made!! 🙁
Fine post calling out the chipmunk for what he is. “I am doctor, i know”. Forsooth! Fake degree probably, as fake as his leadership skills, and his management skills.
The CM should’ve stuck to what he does best. Issuing fake medical certificates to government employees so they can claim their medical allowance.
Guys all comments posted are real concern for goans and next election
The Navy and Army are occupying prime land in Goa since 1961. Of what use are they to the Goans if in times of a crises their services cannot be requested to handle a grave situation? They do possess the requisites,the skill and the infrastructure to handle the distribution of essential supplies with dexterity. WAKE UP CM !!!
Goan CM and his master should learn from Maharashtra and UP CMs who have dealt with this crisis in a much more mature and emphatic way. People have discomfort, yes, but there is no panic since shops and groceries are available without any scarcity. Jhumlebaji works when things are normal. It is only during hours of crisis that true leadership comes out. Imposing lockdown on people and then apologizing may serve filmy mind-set, but the common man will remember this humiliation from self-declared custodians of the larger population.
Very much true….oh CM plz wake up and don’t be Kiddies in chaging your decisions to every small outpour…. keep your head up.,.. and not bent to say you citizens will be responsible for any disaster…
Shame on you… You had all the time in the world to plan but you failed miserably….
If there is any lose of life in goa it won’t be because of covid.19 but on account of people being starved to death… all thanks to you..
Excellent explanation of the present state of confusion and disorder in Goa due to this incompetent C.M. We sincerely hope his political higher-ups realise the gravity of the situation/mess in Goa and find a better leader to run the state.
I’m so proud of this Goan, who took the time out to write all this.
However, my dear Goan friends, will this actually make any difference?
These letters and comments are just like dirt in a bag of rice, which are plucked out.
The CM will pay no heed to this at all.
Perfect post of reality failure of CM handling situation he should think twice before implementing any order in future and act in right way to improve damages done
In our dabolim Constitution (31/03/2020) horticulture store is not having vegetables. However the same is available adjacant stores. Can’t imagine how to digest the prevailing situation. No stone isleft unturned to make money of this situation.
Very well written. This is exactly the situation in Goa right now. No planning. No supplies coming in Goa. Pathetic, zero planning is an understatement.
Very well penned covering the scenario ,Its the start of grim situation and we are definitely not prepared .Something need to be done at war footing.
Brilliant article. Can’t be more accurate.
Terrific article.
Wish there wasn’t a need for it to have been written though.
And doubtful if it’s gonna help either – but surely worth a try.
Couldn’t resonate more! Just the voice of every citizen in the country!
Well said. Thank u for being our voice.
True. Sums up the ground reality.
Looks like CM only good at doing power politics.
But the toughest decision was to postpone the ZP elections.
Someone earlier on said that labourers earn more than most Goan youth. Which occupation would that be. Very well put article. The world is shocked with what is happening here. And now when they read that labourers are better paid than most Goan youth. They will really wonder…
I was shocked to read CMs comment that Goans are more interested in food and “drooling over mangoes” than the deadly virus!!!! Really?? Have you Sir ever done without a meal? Have you ever opened an empty fridge? Have you had your family sit down to dhal n rice for 8 days in a row??? It’s time to get your act together or GET OUT!
Eggs @ Rs84/dozen. Standing in Q for grocery for 3 to 4 hours in scorching heat. That’s what Goan and tourist other people stuck in Goa has to enjoy (if you cannot avoid you have to enjoy )due to 3+21 days lock down period of no work.
Goans have to (non violent )protest in large number the very next day lock down is over. See that non of the current Panch, MLA are re elected .
I am amazed and even surprised that a Goan can really write so daringly and openly
and bring about the facts which are known by the people but they are so busy in their
own life style, that they care a bit about the Poor as you mentioned about the guy standing
with a little or not money to purchase Rice. Are we becoming so selfish day by day, and hence,
even Goa has closed down is places of workship including churches, temples, and he does not
need our worship at all.
Woderful to have written this article…Horrifying situation…horticulture stores practically shut…private vegetable vendors are busy sucking the middle class and the poor..every opportunity is not missed by these vendors, be it a goan or a nongoan vendor..be it vegetable fruit or milk vendor ….to make the best even at the cost of pandemic…are all our ministers n authorities blind to these rackets… poor groceries owners ..though they make efforts to remain open there are no supplies…what do you expect them to sell..where are those crooks who overnight joined the BJP government stating that they are joining for the betterment of their people..who today could have unitedly opposed all nonsense the government is doing ..what goankarponn are you talking about …check if that CM is niz goaenkar to have feelings for goenkar… next elections put all these rogues who are at the helm of affairs n basket them as fruits n vegetables to the neighbouring states or to Gujarat for training…so as to loot n buy MLA,s from other parties…nobody is interested in the wellbeing of goans…kick these rogues up their asses when they come to ask for votes..so many goans are in pathetic conditions..god n our st Francis Xavier will rescue us from this pandemic..have faith goemkara..pray n read the word of god ..remain indoors as far as possible…take care of the elders …god is great…
Get out MrSawant you are just not capable of doing any good in this situation….you just running like a headless chicken…
I live in the UK and have been to goa six times and found the people lovely how can you treat them like dirt you should be ashamed of yourself it’s absolutely disgusting.
When death is at door steps of each house..the same people comments will change..the current.. state of world’s advanced countries due to this pandemic ..is in front of our eyes.
Yes the Pandemic is serious and people need to avoid coming in contact with others.
But that doesn’t mean people should stay hungry at home.
The point here is of gross mismanagement. The CM is clueless, just parroting instructions from his headquarters in Nagpur.
excellent
Now a days I noticed, in this pandemic situation caused by covid 19 n home lock. Obiviously there is a short supply of all daily needs for which people blame d govt. Some people wants to be active on d social media, saying we r poor, so we r not getting bhaji, milk n many more. D best medicine to prevent corona, is stay home have rice (pez) dal n pickle/raw mango. Don’t expect milk, vegitables, instd be happy with what u hve @ home, keep patience n sacrifice for others. This is bcs to have n enjoy all things, we should be alive first. So say yes we can….
Hats off to you and your article. While the government is not equipped, you have other under the table situations so while the CM is shouting and does not know what to do the goons are not letting people open shops.
I suggest please get the central government to interfere and for the interim let another state make decisions.
Like this it will be impossible
Regards
Brett
Spot on!!! Best written article ever!!! Chief minister it’s time to pull up your socks.
Superb! The other day after standing in line for 1 strip of BP medication for 2 hours, 2 cops came out of thin air asking people to maintain social distancing. And then really quietly one of those 2 cops came up to the counter cutting through the queue and asked the chemist to parcel him certain medications that he read out from.his phone. I was shocked and oppressed to see gross misuse of power. Didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
Thanks for detailing all that I’m feeling.
Bravo !! Very well said , you spoke our mind. I have nothing to say much as you have penned down the voice of goans. I will just say one thing to my goaenkar, this CM must go , so next elections VOTE sensibly. Let us all fight this Pandemic with prayers, strength and patience . Stay home Stay Safe.
I am a senior citizen. I agree with the article. The lock down is done with no preparation.
I noticed a parallel supply of essentials market has developed without any control by unscrupulous people to sell with high prices.
Friend in a communist country was lamenting about their government controlling the media to avoid being criticized. I told her that while we can voice our opinions in India, it doesn’t always make a difference.
Despite what’s been said here, I doubt the CM will feel the gravity of the situation so long as he has a good sock of necessities. And running out of these won’t be an issue — should he have to violate the lock-down, cops won’t hold back his retinue but will roll out a red carpet.
(Naturally, this will be shrouded in secrecy — even if our CM lacks the sense to do that, I’m sure others in his political party will be there to knock it into him)
His statements give one the impression that he’s happy to wield power, so long as there’s no responsibility.
Will just have to hope that someone higher up in the political hierarchy relieves him of his ‘burdens.’
I am from Bangalore, I feel for you guys. I think the situation in Bangalore has been handled very well, yes there are cops everywhere, but they’ve done a really good job, they’ve issued 70,000 passes till now to essential services and have check points to monitor the movement.
The important thing is, petrol bunks, vegetables and fruits, rice and Dal and meat too is available and even supermarkets are open.
The councillor for my area has even opened a dedicated place to buy all these in a nearby ground with cops monitoring the crowds for social distancing. He’s brought all the push cart vendors of vegetables, fruits etc. together here.
Hope the situation gets better.
Bravo, Well said! What a plight we are in!
Now you’re acting like a “desh drohi” by demanding for food and neglecting more important things like elections that must be won at any cost.
On one hand the mines that have been shut down are bleeding their personal fortunes, and just when the good Doctor was doing everything to restart them, this…
Remember, people will be dead and gone, but the political class (our feudal lords) must survive.
If not during the next elections you will see them rushing to the ration shop, that hungry look in their eyes (Sorry, not referring to the usual hungry wolfish look of hunger for power, influence, immeasurable wealth etc)
I believe the navy and military are trained for disaster management and cm can take their help and all the mla ‘s help to reach to the people .looks like our leaders are more scared for their life .
i found u randomly… i love you already.. and your SWEET SCISSORED TONGUE… might as well print this blog and send it to Mr.bruhmod