[Goanet]Profile: A Christian in public life

[Sachin Phadte]

I am pained when Tony Martin says: "Well Sachin, while trying to question 
George's credibility you have ended up exposing your naked bias and pro-BJP 
leanings."  Does this mean that George cannot be questioned at all?  Does it 
mean that all actions of George are to be accepted without any reservations? 
 I would like Tony to answer these specific questions.

These questions become particularly important when I have already said: 
"George's leaving the BJP was indeed a good decision for the secular health 
of India."

I am further pained at the patronising statement of Tony when he says: "I 
must pity Sachin Phadte's ignorance if he thinks that Sonia should take the 
consent of the Pope just because of her Sicilian connection." What is this 
thing about 'pity'?

I was ignorant that any member of Pontifical Commission of the Laity needs 
permission from the Vatican to join at least certain political parties.  But 
then this raises more questions.  Is it proper for the Vatican to say which 
political parties are untouchable for the Roman Catholics in India and which 
are not?  Is this condition of seeking permission to join the untouchable 
political parties clearly stated at the time of the appointment to the 
Commission?  And presently, apart from the BJP, are there any other 
untouchable parties?

On Sonia.  I was ignorant that Sonia has a Sicilian connection.  I thought 
she was born and brought up from another part of Italy.  I would like to ask 
Tony a question.  Normally when one talks about a Sicilian connection, one 
has an image of a Mafia connection.  Tony, does Sonia have such a 
connection?  Maybe Sonia herself does not have a direct connection.  But 
does her ancestors or relatives have such a connection? If relatives, which 
ones?  Given that Sonia has a very good chance of becoming the Prime 
Minister of India in the next elections, maybe we should ensure that the 
undesirable elements of her relations are not allowed to visit our country.

Tony has rightly said that the BJP is "infamous for brewing communal hatred 
and unprecedented violence in the country."  Given such an evil background 
of the party, it is indeed surprising that George even thought of joining 
the party, and that Vatican gave him a permission to do so.  I also 
understand that there are many Catholics who are members of the party today. 
 Perhaps Vatican should take a stand on the issue, and ask all of them not 
to have anything to do with the party.  In particular, the various Catholic 
ministers in Goa presently.  I think this will strengthen the secular 
character of our country, a character that is under severe strain.

Since Tony is so well versed on this issue, maybe he can address some of the 
other issues that I raised in my post.  One is that George makes some 
scathing comments on the Congress party.  The impression that I got was that 
it related to something in the past.  Does Tony know that today these 
comments, particulary the one about institutionalising corruption, are no 
longer applicable?

Then there are some issues of date.  I thought George was in the BJP between 
the period 1981-83.  However, the impression that one gets from the article 
is that he left the party when Advani went on his Rath Yatra which lead to 
the demolition of the Babri Masjid, which India Today of Aug 18, 2003 has 
rightly described as "the fragile edifice of secular India".  Does Tony know 
the exact dates when George was in the BJP?

I must admit that I am really a novice as far as my understanding the ground 
realities.  So if Tony can respond to the questions above, it would really 
help to better appreciate the various under-currents that are taking place.

Sachin Phadte.

_________________________________________________________________
Contact brides & grooms FREE! Only on www.shaadi.com. 
http://www.shaadi.com/ptnr.php?ptnr=hmltag Register now!

##########################################################################
# Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED]                       #   
# PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts #
# More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/              #  
# Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others  #
##########################################################################