MARGAO:
Nationalist Congress Party leader Churchill Alemao on Friday threw an open challenge to Benaulim MLA Caitu Silva to prove that he had ever come in the way of Goan youth applying for Portuguese passports, asserting that he had helped thousands of people applying in getting these documents in the past. Flanked by Benaulim Sarpanch Remy Fernandes and panch members Menino de Bandar, Seby, David and Navelim panch member Santarita Coelho, the former PWD Minister said he had always supported Goans from both North and South Goa applying for Portuguese passports for the purpose of employment given the bleak employment scenario in the State. Addressing the media to clarify on Caitu's statement that he has been responsible for putting thousands of Goans in trouble by raking up his citizenship, Churchill shot back, "I challenge Caitu to prove his allegations against me. Former MLA Francis Silveira will tell you how I had helped hundreds of youth from San Andre constituency to obtain Portuguese passports." He charged the Benaulim MLA for trying to misguide the people, saying that the case was filed against Caitu to ascertain whether any citizen can continue to remain an MLA while holding Portuguese citizenship. "I am happy if Caitu says he has achieved victory. I am happy if Caitu continues as an MLA after the court order," he said, while vehemently objecting to the deletion of names of Goans from the electoral roll by the BJP government on the premise they are Portuguese citizens. Churchill further demanded to know how the authorities have employed different yardsticks for MLAs and village sarpanchas or panch members, reminding that the authorities have in the past initiated action against the panchayat members without the Presiding Authority in the Union Home Ministry declaring them as Portuguese citizens. Referring to Caitu's statement urging the people to teach him a lesson in the coming poll, Churchill said the Benaulim MLA would know his position in the constituency on the day of the result. "Caitu should know that I am not contesting the election on the support of leaders, but with the backing of people. I am confident that people will support me in the election and the same will be reflected when election results are out," he said. benaulim's political climate is hotting up
