TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: Former PWD minister Churchill Alemao reacted sharply to the accusations and allegations made by Fr Eremito Rebelo of Goans for Dabolim Only (GFDO) and expressed doubts over Fr Rebelo’s genuine solidarity towards the cause of saving Dabolim airport and opposing Mopa airport.
Alemao has also appealed for unity amongst the organisations fighting to oppose Mopa airport as the cause is not individual but for the people. Sparks have begun flying against the background of the public meeting organised by Alemao’s Goa Public Forum and others on Friday. Several NGOs from North and South Goa are expected to attend the meet.
Speaking to Herald, Alemao said, “Given the way Fr Eremito is criticising me while I am fighting for the same cause he is fighting, I now have serious doubts over whether he is seriously with the cause of opposing Mopa airport or is just any other activist slinging mud at me.”
Alemao added that Fr Eremito had never supported his endeavour to oppose Mopa in 2005 when it all started. “Save Goa Party didn’t get a majority in the elections at that time, but I opposed Mopa in the cabinet meets. I had also told Fr Eremito and the late Matanhy Saldanha to support me in opposing Mopa, but sadly I wasn’t backed.”
Alemao has expressed anguish over the doubts expressed over his intention of having a meeting as he says that he has begun the movement against Mopa and now cannot be bullied and derailed out of it. Alemao also invited Fr Eremito to his public meet and requested him to speak and requested all not to divide the movement.
