MARGAO
The exit of the Fatorda Block Congress leaders must have not directly affected the Goa Forward Party, but the regional outfit was quick to slam the development, saying it will not be affected in any way.
Aware that the BJP’s plan to induct Congress leaders Piedade Noronha, Joseph Silva and others is part of the ruling party’s plan to target the Goa Forward ahead of the 2022 election, Goa Forward ST leader and Fatorda block president Peter Fernandes claimed that those who have joined the BJP on Tuesday have been the BJP’s B team in the recent past.
Goa Forward ST councillor Nimesia Faleiro said those who have joined the BJP on Tuesday have joined a party which was responsible for the demolition of a church in Delhi.
Addressing the media, Peter said the BJP has taken into its fold these leaders who have been rejected by the people on more than one occasion. “They were always considered as the BJP’s B team. Today they proved it,” Peter said.
Saying that these people come to the fore only at the time of elections, Peter dared the BJP to show how many jobs they have given to the Fatorda ST youth during its rule.
Nimesia Falerio said there are politicians who remember the ST community in Fatorda and ignore them after the polls. “Our MLA Vijai Sardesai has been with the ST community all these years. We have seen how the MLA has helped the community in the recent past. Sardesai has helped ST community members to become councillors,” she said.
Saying that Piedade and Joseph had always supported the BJP, Nimesia said the ST community is not at all surprised by the duo’s decision to embrace the ruling party.
