VASCO
Goencho Avaaz members have accused a group affiliated with the BJP of intimidating newly elected Chicalim Panch Stephanie Lucas and said such strong-arm tactics are the weapons of insecure politicians trying to cling to power at any cost.
In a press note, Goencho Avaaz State Convenor Capt. Viriato Fernandes said villagers of St Jacinto Island and some Goencho Avaaz members rushed to the house of newly elected (unopposed) Chicalim Panch Stephanie Lucas, who belongs to the Scheduled Tribe community, on March 6, when she and her family were threatened and abused by a coterie allegedly owing allegiance to an MLA belonging to the ruling party.
“The group was attempting to intimidate Lucas into joining the ruling BJP. Goencho Avaaz strongly condemns the politician for setting his henchmen on a 21-year-old new panch and her family to browbeat her into submitting to the BJP.”
“Intimidation and strong-arm tactics are the weapons of insecurity and desperation of politicians who are trying to cling to power at any cost.”
“The people of Goa have been watching the imposition of “might is right” by the powers that be, as the only functioning law of the state. This, of course, is only to be expected, when the hallmark of the ruling dispensation itself is consistent undermining of statutory bodies, laws and established procedures, accompanied by blatant disregard and disrespect for the voice of the people.”
“In Dabolim constituency, like the rest of Goa, there is no doubt that the writing is on the wall for the ruling MLAs. The tolerance limit of Goa’s people has been breached a long time ago. Realisation has dawned that unless we the people, stand up to be counted, the destruction of our State and our future will be an inevitable consequence.”
“When people stand together for themselves and for each other in united solidarity, even oppressive governments will crumble like a house of cards,” stated Capt. Fernandes.
