 "Goa Democratic Front joins \"secular\" mantra chant")
Newly formed Goa Democratic Front (GDF) today joined the bandwagon of political parties claiming to be secular in the run up to the Lok Sabha elections.
The recent Church circular appealing people to vote for secular parties is "shot in arms" for the newly formed political outfit, which has "complete secular credentials" as against the rivals, GDF president Dayanand Narvekar said in statement issued here.
"My thirty years in public service are a clear testament that I have never ever distinguished people on the basis of religion, caste or financial standing before helping them," said Narvekar, who is contesting from North Goa seat.
Projecting Narendra Modi as the Prime Ministerial candidate itself is a clear indication that BJP can't claim to be secular, the former state finance and health minister said.
Goa Church, in its recent pre-poll statement, had suggested that people should vote for those upholding humanity and democracy.
From the time of our forefathers, in Goa, we have inherited secular society, Narvekar said.
"Communalism and corruption are attacking the heart of Goa," he alleged.
Goa Church, which wields considerable influence among community members, who comprise 27 per cent of the coastal state's nearly 1.5 million population, recently said that the people should vote for "secular" candidates.
In its statement, the religious institution apparently took a dig at Modi, saying the Lok Sabha election campaign is titled in favour of one individual to make it look like a Presidential contest.
Goa, with two Lok Sabha seats, will vote on April 12.
The recent Church circular appealing people to vote for secular parties is "shot in arms" for the newly formed political outfit, which has "complete secular credentials" as against the rivals, GDF president Dayanand Narvekar said in statement issued here.
"My thirty years in public service are a clear testament that I have never ever distinguished people on the basis of religion, caste or financial standing before helping them," said Narvekar, who is contesting from North Goa seat.
Projecting Narendra Modi as the Prime Ministerial candidate itself is a clear indication that BJP can't claim to be secular, the former state finance and health minister said.
Goa Church, in its recent pre-poll statement, had suggested that people should vote for those upholding humanity and democracy.
From the time of our forefathers, in Goa, we have inherited secular society, Narvekar said.
"Communalism and corruption are attacking the heart of Goa," he alleged.
Goa Church, which wields considerable influence among community members, who comprise 27 per cent of the coastal state's nearly 1.5 million population, recently said that the people should vote for "secular" candidates.
In its statement, the religious institution apparently took a dig at Modi, saying the Lok Sabha election campaign is titled in favour of one individual to make it look like a Presidential contest.
Goa, with two Lok Sabha seats, will vote on April 12.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%