MARGAO
The lone minister from Salcete in the present ruling dispensation, Filipe Neri Rodrigues, accepted the cake offered by Aam Admi Party (AAP) leaders Cruz Silva and Capt Wenzy Viegas at his residence on Saturday noon, even wishing AAP all the very best in the coming election.
Apparently, the cake was offered to ridicule the minister’s role in jumping over to the bandwagon of BJP precisely two years ago, on July 10. Neri was one of the 10 Congressmen who ditched the party to help BJP form govt in the State despite the saffron party falling short of numbers.
A seasoned campaigner, Filipe came out of the house to receive the cake as the both Cruz and Wenzy explained that they are handing over the cake to mark his decision to betray the mandate given to him by the voters of Velim constituency.
When Wenzy said they have come with the cake to celebrate his defection along with other MLAs, Filipe quipped “What you are offering me is a sweet. When we celebrate with something sweet, we should not criticize”. Wenzy shot back saying “I hope you are still sweet and happy. The real truth would have been different in 2017 if the people knew you would join the BJP”.
Refusing to get provoked, Filipe wished both Cruz and Wenzy and the Aam Admi Party the very best, as he got his aide to take the cake inside.
Cruz Silva later told the media that people of Velim would not have elected Filipe if they knew that he would join the BJP. “It is two years now and people have still not seen any development in Velim”, Cruz said adding that people are waiting to reject the Congress and BJP and elect the AAP in 2022.
Capt Wenzy said Filipe does not feel ashamed that he has betrayed the mandate of the people. “He has accepted the cake and virtually said you do anything and it will not bother him. He has wished us all the best. I am confident the people will give their reply to such behavior”, he added.
Filipe later told the media that the act of AAP was a political movement, but hastened to add that it is the job of any opposition. “We are in the ruling today. They have offered us a cake and there may be events in the coming months. It’s their strategy and their job”, he said.
Saying it is a political strategy by AAP to give them cakes, Filipe Neri said Cruz and Wenzy represent a political party and he represents another party, adding that it is now up to the people to see and decide what will happen next. “We have an agenda, and they have their own agenda. It is for the people to decide whom to elect in the next election”, he added.
