TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: Treading a cautious path on contentious issues such as Ghar Vapsi, attack on Churches and statement against Mother Tereza, the Goa Vikas Party has vowed to protect and fight for Christian rights as party candidates filed their nomination papers for the four Zilla Panchayat constituencies of Salcete on Wednesday.
The party, however, could not decide on its candidate for the Benaulim seat, with GVP supremo Mickky Pacheco admitting that the party could not yet finalise candidate for the constituency. He has, however, exuded confidence of sorting out the claims put in by 2-3 aspirants for the ticket.
“The opposition is spreading rumours and misguiding the voters on issues such as Ghar Vapasi. But, I am confident that the people will not believe in these rumours and vote for GVP,” he said, while demanding to know how the BJP or the GVP can be blamed if people belonging to some organisations make statements.
He said that Chief Minister Laxmimant Parsekar has condemned the fanatic elements, adding that there is no threat to any religion in Goa from anyone.
GVP leader and three-time ZP member, Nelly Rodrigues, who is seeking re-election from Colva for the fourth time, said the GVP will stand by the Catholic community and fight for their rights. “I know how much I respect my religion. Just because the GVP is in alliance with the BJP, it does not mean that we have overnight become communal. What is happening in the far parts of India has nothing to do with Goa. In Goa, we are here to protect the interests and fight for their rights,” she said, while slamming vested interests for spreading rumours on GVP’s support to the BJP and linking the attacks on Churches in the country.
Nelly said though she was opposed to ZP elections on party lines, she has decided to contest on the GVP banner since the BJP has promised to devolve funds and powers to the Zilla Panchayats.
Meanwhile, accompanied by GVP supremo Mickky Pacheco, GVP candidates who filed their papers today include Nelly Rodrigues for Colva, Fatima Gauncar for Raia, Anthony Piexote for Curtorim and Marcus Faria for Nuvem.
