MAPUSA
The annual Zatra at the Dev Bodgeshwar Temple in Mapusa, one of Goa’s most cherished spiritual and cultural events, has become an unexpected stage for political commentary.
This year, as devotees gathered to seek blessings, some of Goa’s most prominent leaders used the occasion to voice their political grievances, aspirations and critiques of their rivals.
On Monday, the temple premises witnessed a blend of devotion and political rhetoric as politicians like Calangute MLA Michael Lobo and Goa Forward Party chief and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai combined their prayers with sharp commentary on Goa’s challenges.
Tourism and
development
A former minister and the current Calangute MLA, Michael Lobo leveraged his visit to underscore the difficulties facing Goa’s tourism industry and local economy.
After performing rituals, Lobo told the media he prayed for the State to overcome the metaphorical "onslaught of the toolkit" that, according to him, has put Goa’s tourism sector under siege.
“Goa is facing difficult times due to this toolkit. I prayed to Dev Bodgeshwar for its elimination and for ample tourists to visit Goa, boosting businesses and providing job opportunities for Goan youth,” Lobo said.
In what seemed like a thinly-veiled dig at the Mapusa MLA, Joshua D’Souza, Lobo turned his attention to the developmental challenges in Mapusa.
He noted that many areas in Mapusa remain underdeveloped and require a thorough cleanup.
“Mapusa needs better development as a lot of work is pending. The local MLA, chairperson, councillors and the chief officer must work together to ensure progress,” Lobo remarked, adding that coordinated efforts are critical for Mapusa to catch up.
Plea for ‘old Goa’
Leader of the Goa Forward Party, Vijai Sardesai took the opportunity to express his discontent with the BJP-led government, which he claimed has pushed Goa into decline.
Sardesai called for the restoration of the “Goa we once knew” and criticised the ruling party for what he described as a fragmented and self-serving approach to governance.
“The Goa we cherished has been destroyed under this government. Forget about creating a ‘New Goa’; we want the old Goa back,” Sardesai said.
Taking aim at the BJP, Sardesai accused the party of losing its original identity.
“The BJP is not what it used to be. Today, we have multiple BJPs and they are all factions focused on their own agendas, not Goa’s welfare,” he said.
Sardesai further alleged that the government has been diverting public attention from critical issues by raising irrelevant topics, including the so-called "toolkit."
He lamented that the ruling party appeared more interested in power and personal gain than addressing the concerns of the Goan people.
A STAGE BEYOND DEVOTION
MAPUSA: The Dev Bodgeshwar Zatra, a celebration that draws devotees from across Goa, has long been a symbol of spiritual renewal and cultural pride.
Yet, over time, it has also evolved into a platform for political engagement.
For leaders like Lobo and Sardesai, the Zatra provides a unique opportunity to connect with the public, blending prayers with pointed political messaging.
The question remains: will the prayers and political pledges made during the event translate into tangible action for Goa’s development? Or will they be relegated to mere rhetoric, resurfacing only at the next public gathering?
For now, the Dev Bodgeshwar Zatra continues to be a space where faith and politics coexist – a reflection of Goa’s unique cultural fabric and its ever-evolving political discourse.
