Neri 'avoids' Archbishop Neri?

It was a Sunday and the perfect time for all to focus especially when it's poll time. In Assolna on Sunday, which is the twin village of Velim, the 400-year celebration was the centre of all action. The function came to an end with Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao celebrating the Mass and all the parishioners gathered in huge numbers. In the presence of many priests, Neri hit the first bouncer, when in his homily he reminded people of elections and reminded them to practice the Catholic faith in their day-to-day duties and vote accordingly. But the former MLA Filipe Neri Rodrigues stayed away from the Mass and celebration despite his rivals, including sitting MLA Benjamin Silva and Goa Forward candidate Anthony Babush Rodrigues. MLA Neri’s excuse was that he was busy with door-to-door campaigning.

It’s funny to see how two rivals during election time make their presence felt and that too at the same time to avoid each other. First, Anthony Babush Rodrigues beat Benjamin to the priests' changing room at the 400- year celebration at Regina Martyrum Church, Assolna. Babush alias Jolly took his time out to give everyone a hug and wish each priest and hog all the limelight. So, Benjamin approaching the Bishop decided to detour and stay at the entrance of the staircase leading to the hall to greet the Bishop there and escort the priest upstairs. 

No cakewalk for BJP in Mayem

The Mayem Bhu Vimochan Nagrik Kruti Samiti, fighting for the rights of the people from Mayem, has said that they would support the local candidate and not vote for the BJP. Speaking at a press conference in the city, the samiti president, Kashinath Mayekar stated that BJP has fooled the people by providing provisional sanads. 

"They have not solved the problem and have kept it pending." Mayekar said adding, "We will vote against BJP and support any local candidate in the elections."