In a shocking step, the CBI office was indirectly shunted out of the State. But those unable to prove the charges face punitive fines, so few citizens have been motivated to complain. Goa's media has shied away exposing politicians, even as corruption levels grew here. Efforts to bring in a useful Right to Information Act were suddenly stymied by a discouraging Rs 100 minimum fee on every single application made. So, not surprisingly, charges against politicians failed to stick.
Citizens here have a big dilemma though.
A Goa under President's Rule means having to live under the arrogance of bureaucrats, which can be a cure as bad as the other disease. Likewise, there are few options. The BJP, hopeful of ousting the Congress, is seen as an upper caste outfit. It is also hardpressed to get a majority on a votebank which excludes the minorities who form at least one-third of the population. Other politicians from the 'eighties can be as controversial too.