New Delhi: Leader of Opposition (LOP) and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP of deliberately stoking communal tensions in Goa, citing the recent controversy surrounding former RSS leader Subhash Velingkar’s inflammatory remarks about St. Francis Xavier, the state’s patron saint.
In a post on X, Gandhi condemned the BJP’s alleged strategy of “divide and rule,” claiming it is aimed at exploiting Goa’s natural beauty and its diverse, harmonious population. “Goa’s appeal lies in its natural beauty and the warmth and hospitality of its diverse and harmonious people. Unfortunately, under BJP rule, this harmony is under attack.”
Goa’s appeal lies in its natural beauty and the warmth and hospitality of its diverse and harmonious people.
Unfortunately, under BJP rule, this harmony is under attack. The BJP is deliberately stoking communal tensions, with a former RSS leader provoking Christians and Sangh…
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 6, 2024
The controversy started after the RSS leader called for a “DNA test” of the relics of St. Francis Xavier. He also questioned the saint’s status as “Goencho Saib” (Protector of Goa). The remarks made by the Velingkar have sparked anger among the Christian community in Goa, resulting in several protests and complaints against him.
“Unfortunately, under BJP rule, this harmony is under attack. The BJP is deliberately stoking communal tensions, with a former RSS leader provoking Christians and Sangh organisations calling for an economic boycott of Muslims,” Gandhi wrote in his X post.
Gandhi, in his statement, highlighted the pattern of similar incidents across India, allegedly orchestrated by the Sangh Parivar with impunity and support from the highest levels. He accused the BJP of deliberately exploiting Goa’s ecologically sensitive areas for its own benefit, bypassing environmental regulations and causing an “assault on Goa’s natural and social heritage.”
“In Goa, the BJP’s strategy is clear: divide the people while exploiting ecologically sensitive areas by illegally converting green land and bypassing environmental regulations—an assault on Goa’s natural and social heritage,” he added.
Gandhi asserted that the people of Goa, and India as a whole, are united in their opposition to the BJP’s divisive agenda and will not tolerate such attempts to undermine harmony.
“BJP’s attempts will not go unchallenged. The people of Goa and the whole of India see through this divisive agenda and are standing united.”
The controversy has led to widespread protests, with local political leaders and citizens demanding action against Velingkar. A demonstration in Old Goa saw protesters demanding his externment until the decennial exposition of St. Francis Xavier’s relics, scheduled for November 2024 to January 2025.
Police have registered a case against Velingkar under Section 299 of the Indian Penal Code for “hurting religious sentiments,” and he is currently reported to be absconding. While Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has appealed for calm and assured the public that the law will take its course.
