MARGAO
South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha on Saturday said he may be the friend of the Dempos and others, but asserted that he is a Congressman and a man of principles and that no one can buy him.
He further said barring a couple of “selfish” priests, most of the clergy are not with the BJP since they along with the people of India, including Hindus, Muslims and Christians do not want Hindutva.
Referring to the remarks made by some people that he is the friend of the Dempos, Sardinha said “Why Dempos, everyone has been his friend. I have done works of all the people. I have never differentiated or discriminated against anyone, but that has nothing to do with electoral politics.”
He added: “I am Congressman and a man of principles. No one can buy me. I am not a first time politician. I have been elected by the people 10 times and have faced different situations. Even if some people approach me, they know that I am a man of principles.”
On reports that priests will not be with him, Sardinha said only a few selfish priests may be with the BJP, but majority of the priests are anti-BJP since they along with the people do not want Hindutva. “Hindus, Muslims and Christians do not want Hindutva because we are all Indians and we love our country. We all live in brotherhood,” he added.
Asked to comment on the delay in declaring the candidate for South Goa, Sardinha said the party is expected to unveil the candidates in a day or two. Asked what would be his reaction in the event he is denied the ticket, Sardinha said he would answer the question at the right time, reminding that he is a Congressman.
