Grudging goodwill

Across town, hundreds of East Indians excited about the prospect of worshipping at an ancient altar where they’ve not been allowed for the past 30 years — except on the feast of St John the Baptist in May — have gathered.

Accompanied by former billiards champion Michael Ferriera, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Nirupam today addressed them on behalf of his leader Uddhav Thackeray who floated the idea of the restoration.

There are schisms to be sure, with many — Congress supporters and the Archdiocese — distrustful, but there are some who will tell you that the Sena’s hand is divinely pre-ordained.

In Bamanwada, Merlyn Philomena D’Lima stands outside her cottage. Former bank manager D’Lima has been stirred by the Sena’s plan to restore the church. ‘‘Let the party’s antecedents be anything,’’ reasons D’Lima, smiling. ‘‘They are trying to give back to us what is ours. Uddhav will get support for this venture.’’

And so it is across the enclaves, where they speak a Konkani-Marathi mix and English. ‘‘We are the sons-of-the-soil, so why should the Sena not include us in their programme?’’ says Godfrey Pimenta, Marol resident. ‘Even Rydell D’Lima, a student who has never felt close to Sena ideology, says: ‘‘There is no roof over our Lord’s head. Anyone who provides that roof is our hero.’’