Priest’s kindness campaign strikes a chord
Sympathy factor
Only the second priest to ever contest an election in Goa, Fr Bismarque Dias uses Facebook and a unique “kindness” campaign to connect with young voters.
Fr Bismarque Dias first hit the headlines here when he decided to defy Church law to contest the election in Goa. Canon law does not allow a Catholic priest to directly participate in the political process. Dias’ decision has put the Church in a bind. After threatening to suspend him if he went ahead with his campaign, the Blessed Sacrament Fathers — the religious order Dias belongs to — have reined in their horses.
One of the reasons is probably the high sympathy factor riding in Fr Bismarque’s favour. “His decision to contest has given me hope that all is not lost for Goa,” said Panjim resident Luis Dias. At first surprised by the boldness of the priest’s unprecedented action, he said it seemed the logical step to take for “a genuine activist whose heart beats for Goa”.
On his Facebook page, Fr Bismarque has scored dozens of posts in support of his move. “Great to see you contesting… I’m sure victory for you is not far away,” says one while another supporter goads him to keep going because “you are the saviour of Goa”.
In the crowd of contenders, Bismarque, 47, stands out not only for being a Catholic priest, but for also producing a manifesto that is unique.
“I confess and apologise on behalf of all the adults of the world for our wrongdoings to all the precious children and our beautiful home, earth,” his “Kindness Manifesto” says.
“When you were hungry, instead of organic gaunti food, we gave you junk food. When you were thirsty, instead of water, we gave you Coke and destroyed your health,” it goes on. Bismarque who sees himself as a social activist “serving God through serving the people” said Goa’s environmental and social crises were compelling enough reasons to draw him into the electoral process.
Backed by the Zagrut Goenkarancho Ekvott (ZGE), a forum of socio-political organisations, Bismarque Dias faces a stiff contest for the Cumbarjua seat from former Congress minister Pandurang Madkaikar known for his money muscle and former minister Nirmala Sawant who is supported by the BJP-MGP combine.
