Rahul Gandhi responds amid uproar over ex-Goa RSS chief’s controversial remarks. What’s the controversy?

PTC News Desk: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly fueling communal tensions in Goa following remarks made by former RSS leader Subhash Velingkar about St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of the state. Gandhi accused the BJP of attempting to divide the people while exploiting the region’s ecological and social heritage for political gain.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi emphasized Goa’s reputation for its beauty and cultural harmony, stating, “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 controversy was triggered after Velingkar called for a “DNA test” of the relics of St. Francis Xavier and questioned the saint’s status as “Goencho Saib” (Protector of Goa). His remarks outraged the Christian community, leading to widespread protests and multiple complaints.

Gandhi condemned the incident, linking it to what he described as a larger strategy by the BJP and its ideological affiliates. “Across India, similar actions by the Sangh Parivar continue with impunity, backed by support from the highest levels,” Gandhi remarked, warning of BJP’s divisive tactics. He further alleged that the BJP is “illegally converting green land and bypassing environmental regulations—an assault on Goa’s natural and social heritage.”

Gandhi vowed that the BJP’s attempts to divide the people would be resisted, stating, “The people of Goa and the whole of India see through this divisive agenda and are standing united.”

Protests erupted in Old Goa on Sunday, where local political leaders and citizens demanded action against Velingkar for his inflammatory remarks. A memorandum was submitted to the police, calling for his externment until after the decennial exposition of St. Francis Xavier’s relics, scheduled from November 2024 to January 2025.

In response to the controversy, the Bicholim police lodged an FIR against Velingkar for “hurting religious sentiments” under Section 299 of the Indian Penal Code. Reports indicate that Velingkar is currently absconding, with police actively conducting searches to locate him.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has urged calm in the state, assuring citizens that the law will be applied fairly. He stated that “similar action will be applied for Velingkar” as was done in the case of Father Bolmax Pereira, a priest who was previously arrested for making allegedly provocative comments.

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