Former Mandrem Sarpanch Mahesh Konadkar was attacked by five masked persons late Tuesday night in Askawada, Mandrem. The attackers reportedly asked, “Do you want Michael Lobo?” before assaulting him with iron rods. Although Konadkar was discharged from Tuem Health Centre subsequently, the incident has opened a debate on political intimidation and the deteriorating political civility in the State.
The incident comes against the backdrop of the Calangute MLA recently hinting at a possible shift to Mandrem for the next Assembly election. One may shrug it off as a stray incident, but there are inherent concerns and these could be early signs of the dangerous tactics that may characterise the road to assembly elections 2027.
Lobo condemned the incident as “very dangerous” and demanded a thorough police investigation. Meanwhile, Mandrem police have registered an FIR against unknown persons for the attack and have formed special teams to trace the accused. Also, in quick action, a police officer has been transferred.
While the incident has triggered a political debate, it has left a bitter after-taste in a State which is not known for violence as a means of political score-settling. Such acts of intimidation are nothing short of a declaration that political competition has devolved into a battleground where physical violence and coercion can occur at any moment, way before we get to 2027.
Political violence is not new in many democracies, but Goa has been distinctly different having prided itself on a legacy of peace, tolerance and vibrant political discourse. This incident threatens a change and Goa could find itself in a spot of bother, going forward. This is bothering for the simple reason that electoral politics which was once confined to debates and strategic manoeuvring is now taking a dangerous turn. The notion that physical violence could replace political debate and negotiation is alarming. Such attacks do not only target individuals; they attack the very essence of democratic engagement, hindering the ability of citizens to express their political opinions freely and safely.
The sentence of the accused “Do you want Michael Lobo?” while going about the assault implies an intent to condemn loyalties and instil fear. The narrative that political allegiance may be contested, not through ideology or campaign platforms, but through intimidation and threat is scary because it overrides the capabilities of representatives and opinions of the electorate.
The implications of this incident are alarming and extend beyond merely this victim. It raises questions about the freedoms of the common citizens and, the safety of public figures and influential leaders. If individuals are pushed into silence for fear of reprisal, the very roots of democracy are threatened. In a democratic setup, citizens must have the liberty to express themselves without the fear of violent repercussions.
It falls upon the government to act decisively without looking at the political equilibrium. The assailants must be brought to book and a strong message must go across that such violent and intimidating ways would not be tolerated. While that happens, the onus is also on political leaders and parties to foster a culture of respect and peaceful competition. As we inch closer to the 2027 assembly elections, all stakeholders must commit to preserving the sanctity of our democracy, ensuring it is protected from violence and intimidation. The wounds of conflict not only harm individuals but can scar an entire polity.
