Double Engine: History of Goa Lok Sabha Elections

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Double Engine formula, which actually means being in agreement with the Centre, was a necessity. Even Goa’s budget was passed by the Parliament. Its presentation in the Goa Assembly was a mere formality. Since then, the mindset of all the politicians has been set. They feel Goa can prosper only with the blessings of the Centre. Even after Goa attained Statehood in 1987, this ‘Union Territory mentality’ continues. Today, we call it Double Engine formula. But it’s basically a dependent mentality. It doesn’t reflect directly in the Lok Sabha polls of Goa, but the political strategies of Goan politicians certainly change when the government ruling through the Lok Sabha changes. In that sense, the Goa governments are ruled, till date, by the Lok Sabha! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sandesh Prabhudesai is a journalist based in Goa. He has worked in Konkani, Marathi, Hindi and English media in Goa as well as for the national and international media, including the BBC. He has a rich experience of working for 33 years in the Print, TV and Digital Media, after which he has now shifted to Book Journalism. His book “Ajeeb Goa’s Gajab Politics: Politics of Land of 7000 Years” was the best seller in 2022.  Before joining professional journalism, he was also associated with student and youth movements, including the theatre movement. He continues to be associated with various literary and cultural movements.