PANAJI
There's a word of advice for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and party MP Derek O'Brien and Trinamool Congress' "girls and boys" from Goa's well known activist priest Fr Eremito Rebello.
Rebello, who has led several social agitations in the past, wants the TMC to steer clear of "old dirty guys" from the Congress, who he has said has destroyed Goa and would also destroy Mamata's party, if she allows them to join her political outfit.
"This is a cry coming out from the depths of the heart of a genuine Goan who bleeds for Goa. We are hearing that old dirty guys from Congress and other parties are planning to join the TMC party. Madam Mamata and Mr O'Brien and all didi’s girls and boys, please listen to what I am saying," Rebello said in a video uploaded to Facebook.
"Your party can be a formidable alternative to the present ruling dispensation. But please do not dirty yourself by accepting in your party those rogue dirty politicians who have ruined the future of Goa. Right now what we are hearing is that many of such rogues are in touch with you. Just as they have destroyed the future of Congress party and the future of Goa and Goans, so will they destroy Trinamool Congress which has got such fame all over," Rebello also said.
The priest's note of caution comes at a time when two TMC MP's including Derek O'Brien are in Goa to meet politicians from across the board to join Mamata Banerjee's political outfit.
The spotlight is already trained on several Congress politicians, including former Chief Minister Luizinho Faleiro, ex-MLA Agnelo Fernandes and others, who are reported to have been approached to join the TMC.
Mamata Banerjee has also told media persons in Kolkata that she is scheduled to visit Goa and not "for a holiday".
Rebello said that the TMC has potential to be a formidable alternative to the BJP-led coalition government, but has urged its scouting leaders to stay away from rogue politicians.
"I have high regard for you and I firmly believe that you can be a formidable alternative to the ruling dispensation. You have very good capable leaders who can unite all the secular forces and come to power. I beg of you please keep away from the rogues," Rebello said.
