PANAJI:
Addressing media persons after joining BJP at its headquarters in Panaji, D’Silva said, “There are many reasons to join BJP. My political career started from 2010 and I was elected as a councillor for the first time with the highest number of votes from Fatorda constituency. During that time the state was ruled by the other party and I was a witness to their style of working. Subsequently, when BJP was elected in 2012, also observed the functioning of Parrikar whose views changed Goa.”
Speaking further, he said, “When I was elected MMC chairperson in 2013, I used to approach Babush with problems who offered best solutions to my problems and guide me. The administration which BJP has given, we have not seen in the last several years. So I wanted to be the part and parcel of BJP.”
D’Silva is one of the accused in the Louis Berger case who was granted anticipatory bail by the Special Court. An offence was registered against him was allegedly conspiring with former chief minister Digambar Kamat in furnishing a false reply under RTI.
When questioned about the same, he said, “There is no connection of Louis Berger case and me joining BJP. I have already got bail. During my tenure as the MMC chairperson, when I went to give the invite to Digambar Kamat for Independence Day, he requested me to collect the RTI reply. I have done only that. The RTI reply was given by him first. I have only handed it over to him just like any other book is handed over.”
Strongly stating that he had no expectations from the Government as regards the Louis Berger case, he said, “I do not want that favour from the government. We live in a democracy. I should get proper justice. I don’t need government support.”
On being asked if he is inetersted in contesting on BJP ticket in the upcoming assembly polls, he said, “The party will decide if I or someone else will be there only based on our performance. I have not spoken about ticket. But if anyone gives you anything with a clean mind, you should never say no to it.”
Speaking on the occasion, BJP State President Vinay Tendulkar said, “Arthur is presently a councillor in Margao Municipal Council. He was elected twice as the chairperson of the council. During the second time, he was elected from Monte area which is the strong hold of Margao MLA Digambar Kamat. After giving him tough fight, he was elected. In the last three months, he had shown keen interest in joining the Party. After deliberations it was decided that he would join the Party. Within the next few days, nearly 1200-1500 of his supporters from Curtorim, Margao and Fatorda will join BJP.”
Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza said that Arthur was an asset to the BJP.
“I am not associating him with any constituency. He is such a political figure, who can ask for any constituency. After observing his work, his performance will be evaluated. But we have to accept that he is a strong political figure. He is an asset to BJP as regards Salcete is concerned. The party has to decide based on his performance. His leadership quality draws people towards him”, he said.
