Goa Under Dictatorship
When the short-lived reign of Dome Emmanuel was put to an end on 5th October 1910, a new regime came into being, ushering a republican era. No one expected that it would run into the troubled waters within a short period of 16 years. The democratic rule of the republic witnessed the intense decadence which had touched every aspect of national life. Effects were visible on national output, culture, public administration and politics. The rot had spread its tentacles to colonies as well. The people were groaning under a heavy burden of taxes. However it was neither a political party or a revolutionary, 'Janata', which ceased the reigns of power. Infact, it was the army that intervended to safeguard the interest of the country. The army brought about a revolution against the constant political turmoil and the government formed, which brought the country to ruin an anarchy. Till 1926, there were 43 cabinets, 18 presidents and over 20 uprisings. Thus, encouraged Marshall Gomes da Costa lead a revolution on 28th May 1926.
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| Antonio Olivera de Salazar |
The establishment of military rule in Portugal showed an end to even the minor concessions that the administration of Goa was re-organised on electoral rights. The legislative council was abolished and a new council called- 'Counsello de Governo' was set up with only advisory powers. It had five representatives of people and five members nominated by government.
The people's representatives drawn one each from salcete, Bardez, Tiswadi, new conquest, and Daman&Diu. The government representatives consisted of governor generals, secretatry to governor general, advocate, chief of public works or 'Direitor dos Obras Publican' and chief of finance department, 'Direitor de Fazenda'. The composition was such that, government nominated officials were in majority than the people's representatives and consequently, public voice was never heard effectively during the deliberation of the governor general council.
Also Read: How Portuguese rule started?
Also Read: Adil-shah:Brilliant Administrator
In 1928, the military invited Antonio Olivera Salazar the professor of economics from university of Coimbra to take over the finance department of the country. From the position of the finance minister, Salazar moved to become the prime minister and later, the president of the country with dictatorial powers. On 8th July 1930, Dr. Salazar promulgated a colonial act-'Acto colonial', which was included in the constitution on 1933. Dr. Salazar was known for his anti-liberal, anti-parliament and anti-democratic views. In reaction to arrogant tone of the 'Acto colonial', he passed the resolution on 4th July 1930, which stated, 'Portuguese India does not renounce the right which every nation has of attaining fullness of it's individuality and forming itself into a unit capable of directing it's own destiny.
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| Salazar |
The new constitution adopted in 1933 did not allow more than one party to function. The only party that was functional was 'Unaio Naciona' which belonged to Salazar. Two representatives from Goa were the nominees of the same party, no wonder they returned unopposed. The national assembly had no right to amend the constitution, but Salazar gave voting rights for the first time to women and illiterates. In Goa, all civil liberties were withdrawn. Fundamental rights such as, right to speech, of expression, association, meetings and censorship of press were abolished.
All Marathi newspapers were closed down and press was censored. Worst was the method used by the police in Goa, which used to torture and crossed the limits of judicial authority.
The Portuguese conquered Goa and Goa became the first Indian territory to be ruled directly by the Europeans after Alexander-1. The Portuguese ruled Goa for more than 450 years. It was during this long period, that they left their impressions on various aspects of Goan life. However, this impact was not uniform throughout Goa. In 1510, only the islands of Tiswadi was conquered from Adil-shah of Bijapur. In 1543, Bardez and Salcete were handed over by Adil-shah to Portuguese. This 3 talukas together came to be known as- Old conquests. The remaining part of Goa was called the new conquest.
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