Team Herald
MARGAO: The advice given by two Goan priests, Fr Gabriel Coutinho and Fr Eremito Rebello to gherao any future defectors has been well received and endorsed by the public.
While many have spoken about following the advice given in action, there were a few who felt that there should have been a more decisive call for such kind of protests at the time when 12 MLAs had defected into BJP from Congress and MGP respectively.
However, in view of the recent High Court verdict that had dismissed the petition which had challenged the defections, the people are hopeful that warnings of protesting in front of the house of potential defectors will act as a deterrent.
“It ultimately boils down to people’s power. I believe the elected representatives are only scared of this and if they believe it can affect their stronghold in their respective constituencies. As of now they seem to think they can get away. If they defect, a strong and sustained campaign as suggested is required otherwise those in power will normalise defections and the value of voting itself will be diluted,” said Althea Faleiro.
“What the priests have said is right. Earlier, many candidates had signed affidavits, made pledges at places of religious worship and what not. But if a situation arises where they get to be part of the government and not remain in opposition and get whatever else that usually motivates them to switch political sides, it is possible that they will defect again and give us flimsy excuses,” said Jose Fernandes.
“It is important that the people are talking about it and those leaders like these priests are making sure we don’t forget about this. If the MLAs defect again, it will be even worse as they would be doing it despite the public’s outrage in the past. Even those who may resign and contest again should be gheraoed as that’s just ‘setting’ with the next government,” said Sabrina Rodrigues.
