Unmasking BJP's Assault on Democracy: The Viriato Fernandes Saga -- By Nisser Dias.

CAPTAIN VIRIATO

In the simmering cauldron of Indian politics, where power, ideology, and democracy collide, a recent episode in Goa's political landscape has exposed the BJP's ruthless tactics and disdain for democratic norms. The target of their ire? Viriato Fernandes, the consensus candidate for the south Goa parliamentary seat, who has become a thorn for the BJP.

Viriato had stated a mere fact, that Goa was still under Portuguese rule for 14 more years after India’s independence. That Goans were not part of the decision-making during the drafting process of the Constitution after India’s independence and hence it was imposed on us. A historical fact.

However what began as a routine electoral contest has morphed into a battleground of ideologies, with the BJP launching a relentless onslaught against Fernandes, desperate to tarnish his reputation and salvage their electoral prospects. But their smear campaign reeks of desperation and reveals the depths to which they are willing to sink to maintain their stranglehold on Indian politics.

Fernandes, a voice of reason amidst the cacophony of political rhetoric, dared to speak truth to power. He merely echoed historical realities when he highlighted the fact that Goa languished under Portuguese rule for 14 years after India's independence, with liberation only achieved through the blood, sweat, and tears of Goan freedom fighters. Yet, the BJP, in its characteristic fashion, twisted his words, painting him as anti-national and unpatriotic.

Imported CM of Goa

But let us not be deceived by their hollow accusations and political theatrics. The BJP's hypocrisy knows no bounds. While they feign outrage at Fernandes' remarks, they conveniently overlook their sordid past.

The RSS, the ideological fountainhead of the BJP, has long harboured contempt for the Indian Constitution, dismissing it as a relic of Western influence devoid of India's cultural essence. Their disdain extends beyond mere words to the very symbols of our nationhood. The Tricolor, the revered national flag, was once scorned by the RSS, which championed the Bhagwa Dhwaj (saffron colour flag) as a more suitable emblem of Indian identity. Such blatant disregard for national symbols speaks volumes about the BJP's commitment to the idea of India.

But perhaps most alarming is their insidious agenda to rewrite the Constitution itself, to pave the way for their vision of a 'Hindu Rashtra'. Their leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his cohorts, have openly advocated for constitutional amendments that would undermine the secular fabric of our nation and disenfranchise millions of citizens.

UNMASKING

Make no mistake; the BJP's assault on democracy is not a mere political skirmish but a concerted effort to subvert the very foundations of the Republic of India.

Their obsession with power knows no bounds, and they will stop at nothing to achieve their nefarious goals. In the face of such brazen authoritarianism, it falls upon us, the guardians of democracy, to stand firm and resist their onslaught. We must reclaim the true spirit of our nation, built on the principles of pluralism, secularism, and social justice. The battle for India's soul rages on, and the stakes could not be higher.

Dixon Vaz – A Pawn in BJP's Political Maneuvering -- By Nisser Dias

DIXON VAZ BJP's PAWN

The recent visit of BJP's delegation, accompanied by their parliamentary candidate Pallavi Dempo, to St. Cruz Church at Cavelossim has stirred controversy within the Christian community.

At the center of this uproar are Cavelossim sarpanch Dixon Vaz and parish priest Fr. Ubaldo Fernandes, criticized for permitting photography and videography inside the church, especially in front of the sacred Altar. This issue has sparked debates and raised numerous questions on social media platforms.

Feeling the pressure, Dixon attempted to address the situation through a press conference but inadvertently aggravated it. His eagerness to contest the Assembly elections seems to have clouded his judgment, failing to discern the BJP delegation's strategic manoeuvres and his unwitting role as a political pawn.

Dixon asserts that the saffron party had planned for their parliamentary candidate Pallavi Dempo to engage with various community segments along the Salcete coastal belt. He claims to have met the delegation, discussing the village's needs and showcasing his accomplishments during his tenure. However, the absence of any visual documentation of this interaction in the panchayat office suggests that Pallavi may have met Dixon informally, possibly by the roadside, making his presence at the church unnecessary.

It appears that Dixon sought to curry favour with the communal party members, perhaps eyeing a slot for himself in the Assembly elections, considering Congress's potential reluctance to field a candidate in exchange for AAP's concession of the south Goa parliamentary seat. In his zeal to impress BJP's leadership, Dixon fell into their trap, unwittingly becoming a pawn in their political game.

The circumstances surrounding BJP's south Goa parliamentary candidate Pallavi Dempo also raise questions. Despite her status as a businesswoman, socialite, and philanthropist where she does not meet any person without an appointment, her failure to extend the same courtesy appointment to Fr. Ubaldo hints at the BJP's firm control over her actions. If elected, her role might be reduced to a mere “ungli ka chaap” (rubber stamp) for the party's decisions.

PALLAVI DEMPO'S ITINERARY

Fr. Ubaldo, while claiming prior knowledge of the visit, was caught off-guard during the delegation's actual arrival, being occupied with overseeing church renovations. However, his decision to turn the church into a photo-op studio is also questionable; he could have conducted discussions with the BJP delegation in his office instead.

Dixon's assertion of a large gathering during the visit raises suspicions. Were these supporters mobilized to impress the BJP delegation with his popularity, in hopes of securing their support in the next election? Whether knowingly or unwittingly, Dixon Vaz has become entangled in BJP's political machinations, scoring a self-inflicted blow or rather a self goal and allowing himself to be utilized as a mere pawn in their political game of chess.

"Beneath the Veil of BJP's 'Chaukidhar' - By Nisser Dias

Promises have a way of vanishing like mist in the dawn. Narendra Modi, India's Prime Minister, spun a web of deceit, luring citizens with false assurances: "Rs.15 lakhs in every Indian's account," "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas," "Acche Din Aane Wale Hai," and the infamous "Mai desh ka chaukidhar hoo." Now, in 2024, he offers "Modi ki guarantee." But where are the riches promised? Where is the prosperity for all? Instead of fulfilling pledges, Modi flaunts opulence, draped in designer attire, adorned with luxury watches, jet-setting across the globe while the common man languishes. Rahul Gandhi aptly dubbed him the 'suit, boot sarkar.' Meanwhile, the plight of the poor worsens, unemployment skyrockets, farmers perish, small businesses shutter, and inflation soars as the rupee plummets. Modi's mastery lies not in governance but in the art of rhetoric, crafting catchy slogans that belie reality. "Make in India," 'Aatmanirbhar,' 'Vocal for Local' - all empty phrases lacking substance. Actions, not words, drive change. Yet, Modi's ambition knows no bounds. Corruption festers as he clings to power, using the state machinery to silence dissent and crush opposition. Under his watch, the BJP devours crores through illicit schemes like the 'Electoral Bond Scheme,' exposing the rot at the core of governance. Despite lofty proclamations, Modi's reign reeks of authoritarianism. Dissenting voices are muzzled, opposition leaders are silenced through intimidation and imprisonment. The 'Chaukidar' stands accused, his facade of integrity shattered as allegations of corruption swirl. The 'double engine' BJP government, elected to eradicate corruption, has become its epitome. The Electoral Bond Scheme, deemed illegal by the Supreme Court, bears Modi's imprint, tarnishing his legacy irreparably. Yet, Modi remains unfazed, manipulating the system to his advantage. By stifling opposition, manipulating electoral processes, and wielding investigative agencies as weapons, he seeks to prolong his grip on power. But power gained through coercion breeds resentment, not loyalty. To salvage his tarnished image, Modi must restore faith in democracy. Freezing opposition accounts, imprisoning dissenters, and tampering with electoral mechanisms only erode public trust further. A true leader embraces transparency, fostering an environment where every voice matters. In Modi's India, democracy hangs by a thread, suffocated by authoritarianism. The spectre of an undeclared emergency looms large, dissent crushed, and freedoms curtailed. History warns us - that dictators meet their downfall. Hitler perished in shame, Saddam Hussein met his end in disgrace. Will Modi heed the lessons of history, or meet a similar fate? In conclusion, India under Narendra Modi teeters on the brink of tyranny. The time to reclaim our democracy is now before it slips away entirely."