Matanhy to contest on BJP plank
TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
Saldanha, who had his first electoral triumph following the agitation he led against the then polluting Metastrips factory at Sancoale, became a tourism minister under BJP regime in 2004, following dropping of Mickky Pacheco from the ministry.
“For me, political party is a tool to serve the people of Goa. I live in hope, rather than fear”, said the former Cortalim legislator, while speaking to press persons after his entry into the BJP.
“I have joined BJP because it is in the opposition,” said Matanhy when specifically asked why he chose BJP. He also maintained that there is no secular or communal party in Goa, and that he has joined hands with BJP to bring a change in the government.
Calling the Congress government as “corrupt” he said, joining BJP will not deprive him of fulfilling the exclusive requirement of Goa and its people.
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Parrikar admits faux pas on Good Friday
In an effort to regain the confidence of the Catholic community, Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar admitted that his proposal, during his tenure as chief minister, to cancel Good Friday as a holiday was a mistake.
“The proposal was an error,” acknowledged Parrikar at a press conference today.
Parrikar’s government had made an attempt to scrap five public holidays, including Good Friday and the feast of St Francis Xavier. The notification was issued, but revoked immediately sensing trouble.
The BJP had come under fire from various sections, especially the Catholic community, that viewed the BJP government decision as part of its communal agenda.
Parrikar said such mistakes will not be repeated by him.
