By Matters India Reporter
Panaji, Feb 13, 2022: Viewers have thanked a Catholic television channel in Goa for helping them learn about candidates who are in the fray for the assembly elections in the western Indian state.
Goa goes to poll on February 14 and 301 candidates from various political parties and independents are fighting for 40 assembly seats. Voters will exercise their franchise through 1,722 polling stations.
The four week political campaign ended February 12 evening.
During the past two months the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Television (CCRTV) broadcast interviews of 33 politicians from different political parties.
“Thirty-three interviews is a mile stone. Thank you for conveying the frank views of the interviewees to the people” said Sanjeev Sardesai one of the viewers.
The program titled, “Politics- A Noble Profession,” featured longtime politicians, one new entrant, three women and a priest. And one of the women was an office bearer of a party. She has not changed the party.
Jobito Lopes, a former teacher and sports journalist who interviewed them, said the program helped people to know the candidates and what they stood for, and to know their vision.
Father Bolmax Pereira, the only priest who was interviewed, tried to explain the role of a candidate, how they ought to be in their party and to conscientize the public of their duty to participate in the voting process, Lopes added.
The priest also organized online night vigils, even on February 13, in his parish to pray for enlightenment to vote for the right candidates.
Larry D’Souza, another viewer, said the program served to remind those interviewed that politics is a noble profession.
Celso Fernandes, another viewer, told the CCRTV that its efforts will help the future legislators to think and act positively for Goa.
Marianna da Costa said the program “was an excellent idea and very well executed. Now may God enlighten every voter and may Goa get a good responsible, sensible, and efficient Government.”
Suresh More found the program unique as it gave an “insight into political thinking and issues of concern.”
Ken Terezinha hailed the initiative as a perfect example of Christian spirituality flowing into the social dimension of our Church and society. “Majority wins but Truth will always triumph,” he said and thanked CCRTV director Robin D’Souza and his team.
Each day of the campaign saw prayers in churches, messages on social-media, and pieces of write-up in newspapers.
Father Bolmax Pereira, parish priest at St Francis Xavier Church, Chicalim, reminded the people from the pulpit, “You are not blind and deaf. Vote wisely.”
He said, “As a responsible citizen I have a social responsibility to get involved in the process and enlighten the people.”
The main issues during the campaigning were growing unemployment, corruption, inflation, coal hub and three controversial linear projects.
The Charismatic Renewal is usually very ethereal so it is good to see that it addressed an existential issue like the elections, and was able to interview 33 candidates. Excellent. Congratulations.