‘The Home Ministry was in connivance with the Alemaos to oust me’

Herald: The prescribed authority declared you as not a citizen of India. How confident are you about defending yourself in the High Court?

Caitu Silva: The prescribed authority as in the ministry was then in connivance with the Alemao family to take a decision in that manner. The letter sent by then Union Minister Mani Shankar Iyer to Churchill Alemao and mistakenly having my address shows there was a nexus between the central government and the Alemao family. The letter clearly says that the UPA government is looking into the matter of my disqualification. All documents submitted by Valanka are fake and doctored photocopies copies claiming these documents to be from Portugal. I have not registered and I am an Indian citizen. Also the Alemao clan has opened a sensitive issue that will displace many Goans who will hold them guilty for this act.

Herald: Are you saying that Goans, especially Benaulim voters are angry with the family members of Valanka Alemao?

Caitu: Obviously! Half their family, including Valanka’s mother and Churchill’s wife has a Portuguese passport. While they have availed of these facilities and not declared them, they now are trying to throw stones at me from their glass house. In the midst of their political rivalry, the government and courts and even Britain has been alerted and now guidelines are being made for Goans who opted for Portuguese nationality, only to travel to UK for their livelihood and all that has come under the scanner of the External Affairs Ministry and Home Ministry. 

The Alemaos are to be blamed if innocent Goans lose their Indian citizenship, especially the senior citizens, who registered only so that their children will benefit through a Portuguese passport.

Herald: What will be your future in case you get disqualified by the court? 

Caitu: The truth is that I am a citizen of India and I don’t need anyone from the previous government or this government to delay my case. The ruling will come in my favour and I will stand tall, as an Indian citizen. I will then vie for a second term and show Valanka how it feels to defeat her or her father in another election from Benaulim. The whole citizenship issue is a hoax since the Alemaos are desperate for power.