MARGAO
Salcete’s BJP MLAs - Digambar Kamat, Aleixo Sequeira and Ulhas Tuenkar and the supporting Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco descended at the Margao carnival parade, not just for the launching of the float parade, but gave their thumbs up to the Margao Municipal Council’s decision to bring back the parade route from Fatorda to Margao.
Congress MLA from Aldona Carlos Alvares Ferreira joined the celebrations in his home town as he was candid in admitting that he has come to partake in the celebrations at the invitation of Margao MLA Digambar Kamat.
Former PWD minister Churchill Alemao and former MLA Damu Naik too were prominently present at the flag-off ceremony.
Against the backdrop of the controversy over the float parade route, wherein the Kamat-ruled MMC has brought the parade route back to Margao from Fatorda, these leaders openly complimented the civic body for holding the float parade on the traditional route.
Churchill said he is happy that the carnival is back on the old route, saying there should not be two carnivals at Margao and Fatorda. “Carnival has a rich tradition and we have to maintain it,” he said while saying carnival should be celebrated without indulging in politics.
Congress MLA Carlos said he has come to celebrate the carnival in his home town because the carnival celebrated in Margao is the best in Goa. “Kamat has invited me to the float parade. Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte is very energetic and is promoting Tourism. I feel happy to be part of the celebrations,” he said.
BJP Nuvem MLA Aleixo Sequeira said he is happy to be at the carnival, as he recalled that he along with Joaquim Reis had organised the first Margao float parade. “I am happy to go along the Margao carnival route,” he added.
Curtorim Independent MLA Reginaldo Lourenco, who is supporting the BJP government, gave a clean chit to the old parade route, even as he stressed the need to protect and promote tradition.
Margao carnival committee president councillor Camilo Barretto said the huge turnout of people for the float shows that Saxttikars in general have accepted the decision to hold the parade on the old route. He thanked both Digambar Kamat and Damu Naik for their support to bring the parade route to the old route.
Local MLA Digambar Kamat said Margao carnival was always celebrated traditionally with the float parade flagged off near the Holy Spirit Church square. “Once again, the carnival float parade is being on the traditional way. The way the people have come to watch the floats goes to show that the old route has been accepted by the people in general,” he added.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said the government has supported the decision to hold the Margao carnival parade on the old route. He complimented Kamat and the MMC for successfully organizing the parade.
