The Little Flower Church in Delhi, which comes under the Archdiocese of Faridabad, was demolished in July last year. But seven months later, with the upcoming assembly elections in Goa politics, especially in the Benaulim constituency, the matter has come into focus.
In the South Goa constituency, NCP MLA Churchill Alemao, who recently jumped to the TMC, has been pitted against AAP’s Captain Venji Vigas. But you may ask, what is the relation between the demolition of a church in Delhi and Benaulim in Goa?
Four days ago, Alemao, on behalf of his lawyer, filed a writ petition in the Delhi High Court challenging the demolition of the church. He alleged that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is “fooling” the Goans by claiming to be unaware of the matter. Viegas, however, hit back at Alemao, accusing him of relying on communal politics for electoral gains.
A few days ago, the Faridabad diocese issued a formal statement that the issue was being politicized ahead of the Goa elections. A statement signed by the PRO of the Diocese of Faridabad, Father Frijo Tharayil, said, “It is shameful that at this time, just before the election, such a move is seen as an attempt to use the Church and religion for small political gains.” can be explained.”
Considering the diocese’s reaction, Alemao was forced to hold a press conference, where he talked about how he tried to help people of different faiths when such incidents happened. “I did it following my conscience. I have never used religion for political gains. I even visited the church, when it was demolished on our own volition last year with my daughter. Then we were not invited by any priest.”
Speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, Viegas said that it is a sad situation that the Catholic Alemao resorted to a strategy where the bishop was forced to intervene.
“The people of Goa should know that this drama will not sell. The bishop is a person we look up to and he guides all of us and has exposed the Alemao by making a statement. The Catholics of Colva, Carmona, Benaulim, Varca, Cavelossim, Seraulim have been bluffed,” Vigas said.
Viegas, who was also instrumental in opening a helpline number during the coronavirus pandemic in his village, also said that Alemao was missing during the pandemic and alleged that he is now distributing freebies.
“It is about her winning and her family staying in power. This last resort to falsify on religious grounds is completely untrue when now everyone knows that the DDA, which comes under the BJP, demolished the church,” Vigas said.
Meanwhile, some residents of Benaulim told CNN-News18 that the move has had an adverse effect on Alemao. Alemao, a former chief minister, had managed to engage well with voters by raising the issue. One voter said, “But, the diocese comes out in the open against the Alemao to reveal the truth.”
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