the goan I network
MARGAO
A day after the BJP lodged a complaint against Catholic Priest Fr Conceissao Da Silva for his alleged statement directed against the BJP, the three main candidates belonging to the Congress, BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party reacted saying the priest is entitled to express his views.
While Francisco Sardinha and Elvis Gomes said Fr Conceissao has been guiding his flock, sitting BJP MP Narendra Sawaikar, however, said that the platform of an institution should not be misused by anyone.
Francisco Sardinha (Cong): I would like to say that even a Priest is entitled to his own views, though I do not know what exactly did Fr Conceissao state in the video clip.
Sardinha, however, pointed out that Fr Conceissao had been guiding his flock over the years in religious matters as evident by his huge following across the state.
When asked whether the video, which has gone rival will affect him in the ensuing election in the event the rival party may attempt to polarize the majority vote, Sardinha shot back, ‘I am one candidate who is acceptable for all people irrespective of caste, creed and religion. People of Goa know Sardinha well and his secular credentials. I believe in humanity. Any attempts made by anyone to polarize or communalize Fr Conceissao’s video clip will not be accepted by the people of South Goa,” he added.
Elvis Gomes (AAP): The complaint against Fr Conceissao has been lodged by the BJP, which has been spreading communal hatred and divisiveness in the society.
“Recently, BJP President Amit Shah had stated that the BJP would remove all infiltrators, other than those belonging to the Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs from the country. What is wrong with one priest talking about such things and telling the people the BJP is spreading communal hatred. I don’t find anything wrong, whether the priest has made the alleged statement inside or outside the Church since he has only guided his flock. It does not make any difference,” Elvis said, adding that he does not see anything which is objectionable in his statement.
Narendra Sawaikar (BJP): I am of the strong opinion that every citizen is entitled to air his view on any issue. However, I am also of the opinion that the platform of an institution should not be misused by anyone. I have nothing more to say on this issue.
