The political landscape of Goa is shifting, and the tremors are radiating from Panjim. This is Viresh Borkar’s moment, a phenomenon that transcends the typical cycles of partisan bickering. Seeing ordinary Goans gather in the capital to march against the brazenness of the incumbent BJP government is more than a protest. It is a direct confrontation with the pathetic arrogance of TCP Minister Vishwajeet Rane. The architect of this awakening is the young MLA from St. Andre, a figure who represents the rising tide of a new Bahujan leadership.

The visuals of Borkar being manhandled and pulled down the stairs by the Goa Police have struck a raw nerve with the common public. As a political observer, one must ask the uncomfortable question. Would the Goa Police have dared to treat a Khaunte or a Sardesai with such physical contempt? Those who understand the deep-rooted casteism that still anchors Goan society know the answer is a resounding no. The state appears to believe it can violate Bahujan bodies with impunity, but the thousands of citizens who flooded the streets are a testament that these excesses of power are in their final days.
As Borkar’s support surges, a familiar narrative has emerged claiming this movement is “leaderless.” This is the work of Goa’s silent caste syndicate. This shadow establishment operates across party lines and spring into action the moment autonomous Bahujan leaders begin to emerge. They prefer to broker a temporary peace rather than engage in a long-term war for true democracy. For centuries, this syndicate has thrived by keeping the arm of power pointing toward themselves. Their coordination is visible to anyone paying attention. The rhetoric from the Chief Minister and Vijay Sardesai has become suspiciously identical. When the ruling party and the supposed opposition speak the same language, it is because they are protecting the same status quo. To them, the message is clear. If you have failed to use your seat in the House to protect the people, step aside. Let those doing the actual work speak.
The wisdom of the public lies in its spontaneity, a factor the state cannot quantify. When barricades blocked the roads, the protestors simply took to the coastline. They marched along the beach to arrive at the minister’s palatial doorstep in Dona Paula. Protests are not rehearsed parades for the comfort of the elite. Their efficacy lies in being unpredictable and outmaneuvering a state that claims a total monopoly over violence. Those dismissing this movement as a headless mob should descend from their moral high ground. They are not witnessing a lack of direction. They are witnessing the end of a long, engineered silence.

Mr. Kaustubh Naik

Kaustubh Naik is a Goan writer, researcher, and theatre practitioner deeply engaged with Goa’s cultural and political history.