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.
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.
Saturday, 13 April 2024
Tuesday, 2 April 2024
"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."
Saturday, 20 January 2024
Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas has blood on his hands – By Nisser Dias
In a heart-wrenching incident, Benaulim constituency has been thrust into the spotlight following the tragic death of 41-year-old Jenito Vaz, who fell victim to the brutality of two raging bulls.
As a 10-year-old boy mourns the loss of his father, a young wife pleads for time to reverse its course, and elderly parents grapple with burying their son, the community finds itself haunted by a stark reality.
The blood of Jenito Vaz stains the hands of those who endorse and support the sadistic pleasure derived from these brutal bullfights. In particular, the Benaulim MLA, Venzy Viegas, stands accused of having blood on his hands. The responsibility is not his alone though; it extends to the police force and the Alemao clan. In the hours leading up to Jenito's tragic demise, Venzy Viegas had advocated for the legalization of 'dhirio' in Goa, drawing inspiration from Kerala's sanctioning of 'Jallikattu.'
The Benaulim MLA, elected to power in 2022, found himself at odds with bull owners and 'dhirio' enthusiasts. In a bid to secure their votes, he championed their cause, going as far as presenting a Private Members Bill in the Assembly to legitimize these gruesome bullfights, fully aware that 'dhirio' is banned by the highest court in India. In this pursuit, MLA Viegas is now stained with the blood of Jenito Vaz.
The extent to which Venzy Viegas is willing to go to remain in power becomes apparent when he involves high-profile figures like Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to visit Jenito's family, ostensibly to offer condolences. However, it becomes clear that this is a strategic move to demonstrate political influence to bull owners, urging them to steadfastly support him with their votes. Venzy Viegas's actions are characterized by deceit.
The police also bear responsibility for Jenito's untimely death. Failure to enforce the Supreme Court's ban on 'dhirio' allowed the tragedy to unfold. It is widely known that the police are often complicit, receiving payments from bull owners to turn a blind eye to the illegality. Their delayed response to 'dhirio' events further exposes their collusion.
In the aftermath of Jenito's death, the police prioritized the family's statement over the circumstances surrounding the fatal bullfight. The forensic team neglected to collect blood samples from the 'dhirio' site, revealing a blatant disregard for justice. Frivolous charges of 'death caused by negligence' have become the standard escape route for those involved.
The prevalence of illegal activities is sustained by the unholy alliance between politicians seeking votes and police looking to profit. The pursuit of power often leads politicians to endorse illegalities, while the police willingly turn a blind eye for financial gain.
Enter Warren Alemao, Churchill Alemao's nephew, and known muscle-man. Warren, having fallen out with his uncle, seeks to carve his political path, unapologetically supporting the savage and blood-filled bullfights. His past actions, challenging the police and administration to organize bullfights on his birthday, underscore his penchant for violence.
In the face of overwhelming evidence, Warren attempted to manipulate the narrative by falsely claiming that Jenito died at home, not during the bullfights. His comparison of himself to Jenito's son, both now fatherless, rings hollow in the wake of his father's death during an illegal activity.
For the likes Venzy Viegas and Warren Alemao, the pursuit of power seems to justify backing even the most heinous illegalities, leaving a grieving community in the wake of tragedy.
As a 10-year-old boy mourns the loss of his father, a young wife pleads for time to reverse its course, and elderly parents grapple with burying their son, the community finds itself haunted by a stark reality.
The blood of Jenito Vaz stains the hands of those who endorse and support the sadistic pleasure derived from these brutal bullfights. In particular, the Benaulim MLA, Venzy Viegas, stands accused of having blood on his hands. The responsibility is not his alone though; it extends to the police force and the Alemao clan. In the hours leading up to Jenito's tragic demise, Venzy Viegas had advocated for the legalization of 'dhirio' in Goa, drawing inspiration from Kerala's sanctioning of 'Jallikattu.'
The Benaulim MLA, elected to power in 2022, found himself at odds with bull owners and 'dhirio' enthusiasts. In a bid to secure their votes, he championed their cause, going as far as presenting a Private Members Bill in the Assembly to legitimize these gruesome bullfights, fully aware that 'dhirio' is banned by the highest court in India. In this pursuit, MLA Viegas is now stained with the blood of Jenito Vaz.
The extent to which Venzy Viegas is willing to go to remain in power becomes apparent when he involves high-profile figures like Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to visit Jenito's family, ostensibly to offer condolences. However, it becomes clear that this is a strategic move to demonstrate political influence to bull owners, urging them to steadfastly support him with their votes. Venzy Viegas's actions are characterized by deceit.
The police also bear responsibility for Jenito's untimely death. Failure to enforce the Supreme Court's ban on 'dhirio' allowed the tragedy to unfold. It is widely known that the police are often complicit, receiving payments from bull owners to turn a blind eye to the illegality. Their delayed response to 'dhirio' events further exposes their collusion.
In the aftermath of Jenito's death, the police prioritized the family's statement over the circumstances surrounding the fatal bullfight. The forensic team neglected to collect blood samples from the 'dhirio' site, revealing a blatant disregard for justice. Frivolous charges of 'death caused by negligence' have become the standard escape route for those involved.
The prevalence of illegal activities is sustained by the unholy alliance between politicians seeking votes and police looking to profit. The pursuit of power often leads politicians to endorse illegalities, while the police willingly turn a blind eye for financial gain.
Enter Warren Alemao, Churchill Alemao's nephew, and known muscle-man. Warren, having fallen out with his uncle, seeks to carve his political path, unapologetically supporting the savage and blood-filled bullfights. His past actions, challenging the police and administration to organize bullfights on his birthday, underscore his penchant for violence.
In the face of overwhelming evidence, Warren attempted to manipulate the narrative by falsely claiming that Jenito died at home, not during the bullfights. His comparison of himself to Jenito's son, both now fatherless, rings hollow in the wake of his father's death during an illegal activity.
For the likes Venzy Viegas and Warren Alemao, the pursuit of power seems to justify backing even the most heinous illegalities, leaving a grieving community in the wake of tragedy.
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