AERIAL VIEW
But now, the Diocese of Faridabad condemned filing a writ petition before the Delhi High Court regarding the demolition of the Delhi Little Flower Church by Alemao.
In response, the Diocese of Faridabad issued a press release on Saturday stating that it comes just ten days before the elections in Goa, raising questions about politicising the issue.
“It is embarrassing that such a move at this point in time, on the eve of the elections, may be interpreted as trying to use the Church and religion for petty political gains,” he said.
They have also stated that the Church never wanted to politicise or communalise this issue. In fact, after the demolition of the Church, the diocesan authorities had contacted Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and other civil authorities. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal provided full support and consolation to them.
SURAJ NANDREKAR
Editor, Goemkarponn
Churchill Alemao is the Big Man of Goan politics, known for his constant changeover of the political parties and as the 19-day Chief Minister of Goa.
Alemao has been in the Goans political scene for 35 years now, but he is more famous for his term as PWD Minister from 2007 to 2012.
However, the MLA who got elected on an NCP ticket found himself losing popularity in the constituency for issue-based backing to the BJP government in the State.
He also realised that the Aam Admi Party candidate Capt Veny Viegas was becoming more popular in Benaulim.
Just then, the Delhi Little Flower church demolition took place, and many started blaming the Arvind Kejriwal government for the same.
Sensing an opportunity, Churchill Alemao, MLA of Benaulim, along with Valanka Alemao, met the Parish Priest, Fr Jose of the Little Flower Church in New Delhi, as well as its parishioners and pledged their full support to fight the grave injustice of the demolition of the Church by the Delhi authorities.
Mr Churchill stressed that Fr Jose had stated that what was quoted was a different, wrong order and as such that it was a deliberate case foisted against the minorities.
He said, “It was heartbreaking to listen to those who were unjustly affected.” Mr Churchill hoped that that truth would prevail. Justice delivered with the Government not only punishing those involved in the uncalled-for illegal and uncalled for demolition but also restoring the Church with the official responsible for the unjust demolition being taken to task and even terminated from the job for the arbitrary orders which sadly affected the minority community, added Mr Churchill. The latter pointed out that he had tears as he listened both to Fr Jose and the depressed parishioners.
Churchill, coming back to Goa, squarely blamed the AAP government in Delhi for the demolition, thus creating an atmosphere of hate against Cap Venzy Viegas and filed a case in Delhi High Court against teh demolition.
But now, the Diocese of Faridabad condemned filing a writ petition before the Delhi High Court regarding the demolition of the Delhi Little Flower Church by Alemao.
In response, the Diocese of Faridabad issued a press release on Saturday stating that it comes just ten days before the elections in Goa, raising questions about politicising the issue.
“It is embarrassing that such a move at this point in time, on the eve of the elections, may be interpreted as trying to use the Church and religion for petty political gains,” he said.
They have also stated that the Church never wanted to politicise or communalise this issue. In fact, after the demolition of the Church, the diocesan authorities had contacted Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and other civil authorities. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal provided full support and consolation to them.
Furthermore, the Church said that Kejriwal assisted in rebuilding a temporary church so that the Catholic community in the locality could celebrate Christmas in Little Flower Church under a roof.
So now Churchill stands clearly exposed. This is not the first time Churchill has politicised the issues and taken advantage of them.
So, where does Churchill stand now? His lie has been exposed completely. The result may well be seen in Benaulim and in the Navelim constituency where Valanka Alemao is contesting.
