VASCO
The Chicalim Youth Farmers Club (CYFC), a group which has shot to prominence for staging street dances as part of protests against three linear projects proposed in the State, has hit back at claims by Panchayats Minister and Dabolim MLA Mauvin that some opposition with vested interests had been misguiding the youth and forcing them to lie.
Responding to remarks by youth from Chicalim, who had claimed that he had insulted them and indirectly threatened them, Godinho had told reporters at a recent event that he had met the youth group.
“While they said they only wanted to submit a memorandum, I interacted with them for about an hour even though I had come for another function.”
“I was shocked after media reports emerged that I had not given them time, had insulted them and indirectly threatened them. An edited and morphed video, in a futile attempt to get political mileage and malign my image was uploaded on social media,” Godinho had said.
Godinho said he was later forced to upload the full video on Facebook and social media for people to know the truth and judge for themselves.
“I wonder how some people are instigating and misguiding these young minds. If we train the youth to lie at this age. I wonder what will be their future. Responsible leaders should engage in social work and not indulge in misguiding the youth,” Godinho had added.
In response to Godinho’s remarks, CYFC Secretary Neha Gaude said: “It is sad to note how low our MLA and his advisors can stoop in an attempt to wipe off their blunders caught on camera. Nevertheless, we are ready to share the raw footage of the meeting, so that people can decide for themselves.”
“We are educated and well informed youth. And our MLA’s claim about us is false. All empty headed claims. If he still persists with his claims, let him clarify as to who exactly is misleading and instigating the youth.”
“Considering that our parents have already been pressurised, we refrain from commenting against the MLA, as our parents are concerned about our security. However, as we have already demanded during the meeting for a discussion, we are ready to discuss with him face-to-face under media coverage,” added Gaude.
