My future in hands of people: ChurchillPublished on Friday, 17 May 2013 11:04
Saying that he has left his political future in the hands of the people, former
PWD minister Churchill Alemao on Thursday said that he would soon come out to
oppose Mopa.The proposed airport at Mopa would spell doom for Goa and its
economy, he said.He was addressing his supporters and workers at his
birthday-cum-I League championship celebrations at the Blasco Executive,
Navelim on Thursday which was attended by a host of political leaders including
former chief minister Ravi Naik, MLAs Vijai Sardesai and Reginaldo Lourneco,
UGDP leader Radharao Gracias, Babu Azgaonkar, Bishuth Themudo, Adv Mike Mehta
and others.Referring to the request made by UGDP leader Radharao Gracias and Fr
Erodiano Fernandes to take the initiative to oppose the Mopa airport, Churchill
said, “I will come out with my people to oppose Mopa. The proposed airport
would spell doom for Goa. Lakhs of people will be on the streets if Mopa
becomes a reality. Two airports cannot co-exist in a small state like Goa,” he
asserted amidst applause from his supporters.“I am indebted to my people for
having reposed their faith in me. I am encouraged that all of you have remained
with me. I will make a comeback in politics only if the people want. My people
will decide whether I should return to politics (or not),” he said.While
raising the host in honour of Churchill, Fr Erodiano Fernandes urged him to
take up the airport issue, saying it was he who had laid the foundation for the
movement against the proposed airport. “Let us all unitedly under the
leadership of Churchill oppose Mopa airport. Churchihll will also get support
from the people,” Fr Fernandes said.In his address, Radharao Gracias called
upon Churchill to take up the airport issue, saying that those who are
agitating against the airport are the very same people who had campaigned for
the BJP and Alina. “It is high time that we don’t allow ourselves to be fooled.
I have a strong feeling that those who are now agitating against Mopa are the
front men of the BJP, who are out to split the secular votes in the coming Lok
Sabha polls,” he said, adding that the airport issue was a political one hence
and should be fought by the politicians.Earlier in the day, Governor Bharat Vir
Wanchoo along with his wife took part in the Eucharistic celebrations at the
Varca Church on the occasion of Churchill’s birthday
