THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Goa on Thursday lodged formal complaints at police stations against senior BJP leader Narendra Sawaikar, demanding registration of an FIR over his controversial “termite” remark on social media.
AAP State President Valmiki Naik, accompanied by Vice Presidents Manuel Cardoso and Sunil Signapurkar, filed a complaint at Panaji Police Station citing provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the IT Act and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act.
The party alleged that Sawaikar’s post insulted protesting youth, incited hatred and carried a distorted map of India.
Naik said the remark amounted to an attack on students who have been protesting nationwide against repeated paper leaks.
“Instead of standing with the youth, Sawaikar added insult to their injury by calling them termites,” Naik told reporters and demanded immediate registration of an FIR and arrest of the former MP.
AAP’s complaint stressed that strict legal provisions exist against inciting disharmony and spreading misinformation, adding that the distorted depiction of India’s map itself constitutes an offence under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act.
The party warned that if no action is initiated within three days, it will move the courts.
AAP leaders also accused the BJP of failing the country’s students. Vice President Sunil Signapurkar said peaceful protesters were met with lathis in Delhi, while BJP leaders mocked them. “The youth of India have awakened and will not forgive the BJP for destroying their future,” he said.
The controversy erupted after Sawaikar’s social media post likened protesting students to termites, sparking outrage. Opposition parties demanded an apology, but Sawaikar defended his remarks, with BJP leaders including Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and general secretary Siddharth Kuncolienkar backing him.
