Goa, July 25 -- There is a phrase in the lexicon of babudom which may seem innocuous but is perhaps the most powerful tool appropriated by elected governments. It is called 'Competent Authority'. Beyond the wood-panelled corridors of government, away from the silence and in a world removed from this so-called finesse, the phrase may well be replaced by this- 'dadagiri'.

If you look at both phrases from two apparently different worlds, you may be forgiven if you wonder if they are actually similar - 'Competent Authority' & 'dadagiri'.

Let us put this into context. There is a justifiable furore over the manner in which the State Wildlife Board recommended the clearing of three contentious projects, the railway double tracking from Hospet ...