MAPUSA
Aldona MLA and Congress leader Carlos Ferreira strongly condemned recent remarks made against St Francis Xavier, calling them "communal in nature" and deeply insulting to the Catholic community and Goans at large.
He urged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to act on his previous assurances to arrest individuals spreading communal hatred and disrespecting religious figures.
Ferreira stated that St Francis Xavier, also known as ‘Goencho Saib’ is revered by people of all faiths, including Christians, Hindus, and Muslims.
The MLA emphasised that the saint holds a special place in the hearts of not only Goans but also those from outside the state and even abroad.
"Recently, we have seen statements circulating on social media, including some made to the press that are highly communal. These statements target St Francis Xavier and are an insult to every Goan, not just the Catholic community. They insult a figure who is cherished across religions," Ferreira said.
The MLA further criticised the individuals making these statements, noting that such remarks are often made as the Feast of St Francis Xavier approaches or when the state organises the Exposition of the saint's relics, a significant religious event.
Ferreira also took aim at the State government, recalling a previous statement by the Chief Minister made in the Assembly.
"The Chief Minister had assured that anyone insulting any religion would face immediate action, including arrest. I challenge the Chief Minister to follow through on this assurance. Arrest those who are inciting communal disharmony and disrespecting St Francis Xavier. Only then will these individuals be shown their rightful place," he asserted.
The MLA's comments come as the State prepares for the Feast of St Francis Xavier and the Exposition of the saint's relics, events that draw thousands of pilgrims from across India and abroad.
Fatorda MLA calls out govt's inaction
MARGAO: Goa Forward Party President and Fatorda MLA, Vijai Sardesai has raised serious concerns regarding the Goa government’s inaction over inflammatory remarks made against St Francis Xavier, popularly known as Goencho Saib, whose relics will be presented at this year’s exposition.
Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent address in Fatorda, Sardesai highlighted the Prime Minister’s statement that this year is crucial for Goa, given the exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier, whom the PM himself acknowledged as Goencho Saib.
"The PM recognized St Francis Xavier as a symbol of peace and cohesiveness. However, some individuals have made statements that have deeply hurt the sentiments of his followers, threatening the peace and harmony of Goa,” Sardesai stated.
He questioned the government’s silence on the issue: "Has the government’s sentiment been hurt by these offensive remarks? Does the government even have sentiments? If their sentiments have indeed been hurt, why have they not taken action? Previously, the government swiftly acted when the sentiments of certain groups were hurt. Why is this case different? Why are politicians supporting the BJP, or those who have joined the BJP, not pressuring the Chief Minister to take action?"
Sardesai went on to challenge the government’s commitment to peace and religious tolerance in the state, asking whether its inaction was an insult to the Prime Minister’s words or merely a political tactic ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
"By not acting, is the state government insulting the Prime Minister? Or was the PM’s statement merely to appease Goans ahead of elections, with no real intent behind it?" he questioned.
Sardesai warned that if the government fails to act, it will be seen as intentionally disrupting the religious tolerance and harmony that Goa is known for. "If the government does act, it will confirm their commitment to maintaining peace and cohesiveness. If not, it will become clear that they are deliberately trying to disturb the state’s religious harmony," he said.
He also expressed concerns over a growing perception among Goans that the ruling BJP government is “out to sell Goa,” suggesting that inflammatory statements could be part of a broader strategy directed by the ruling party to create discord. "The government must act now to stop such elements from disturbing the peace and harmony in Goa," Sardesai added.
