Goan politician Trajano D’mello aka amcho Trojan bab goes “national”

PANAJI: Senior Goan politician from North Goa who has seen it all and done it all (in the political sphere of course) Trajano D’mello or amcho Trojan bab – as he is referred to by some journalists in the tourist state, has gone “national”. Trajano who is with the Goa unit of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and has been its Goa spokesperson for several months, was promoted and redesignated as the party’s National Spokesperson. It’s an achievement for Trojan bab and irrespective of which political party one may belong to, old-world Goans, who still have the spirit of genuine Goemkarpoon in them, would have felt at the least a tinge of joy for Trojan – at his elevation in the political hierarchy. We at IndyaTv are definitely happy that he is going up the political ladder and would like to wish Trajano “success and all the best”.

What makes politics and politicians in Goa different from anywhere else in India. For starters, there is an unwritten code that is strictly followed and adhered to and it goes something like this – no matter how bitterly or aggressively or loudly Goan politicians may argue and fight on the floor of the Assembly, at political rallies or during election campaigning, the verbal attacks and fights stay only on the battlefield. Goan politicians from all parties, do not take their fights to each other’s homes. Wives, parents and families and relatives (not in politics) are not targeted or attacked and definitely kids and children are left alone, never to be even considered or brought up, even in otherwise vitriolic verbal assaults.

This “Goan tradition” has been respected by even local goondas and thugs. A well-known Goan singer, tiatrist and businessman from North Goa once told me an anecdote from years ago, when a prominent Goan activist-lawyer was allegedly attacked by some goons, reportedly owing allegiance to a local strongman and politician. I do not know if this story is true, but apparently, very strict instructions were given to the attacking party that no children and women were to be harmed or even touched, even by mistake.

After a major verbal dual either in the Assembly or at a rally, Goan politicians from rival parties are known to sit together at a local restaurant or eatery and break bread – probably the famed Goan ros omlette with pao or poi or the mirchi and sukki bhaji with pao and chai. The late BJP leader Manohar Parrikar (former defence Minister) when he was the CM of Goa was known for suddenly dropping by the office of the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Complex and calling for chai.

Goan politicians are often seen interacting politely with their political rivals at religious festivals, fests, zatras and other traditional events. This is the spirit of Goemkarpoon and with this spirit in our hearts, we would like to whisper a little prayer for Trajano – for good health and good fortune in the days and years to come.