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Referring to reports that efforts are underway to arrest Velingkar in connection with the allegations against him at Vidhya Prabodhini, Adv Uday Bhembre, convenor of BBSM and GSM joint committee, GSM chief Anand Shirodkar and BBSM leader Pandurang Nadkarni warned that any action against Velingkar would have repercussions for the ruling party.
Nadkarni stated, “This is blatant misuse of power to pressurise the administrative staff and to force them to take action against Velingkar. GSM cadres and well-wishers of Velingkar will launch a state-wide protest if such illegal means are resorted to.”
Reading between the lines, Nadkarni observed that hurdles are being created deliberately as the public discontent is mounting against the ruling party.
“These tactics are proof that the administration is anxious and discomforted by the growing support to Velingkar,” he said.
Adv Bhembre termed the alleged efforts as a move to defame the former RSS Goa chief.
“We have not broken the law nor have we indulged in violence. GSM has stepped into the fray and this makes BJP uncomfortable,” he stated. Bhembre also sought to point out that the Registration of Societies Act doesn’t have a reach in criminal offences.
GSM chief Shirodkar alleged that union defence minister Manohar Parrikar’s oft-repeated anti-Pakistan statements are aimed at emotionally blackmailing Goan electorate and to divert it’s attention.
“I dare Parrikar to talk about special status, mining, medium of instruction, casinos. He should resign from the Union government and come to Goa if he wishes to remain involved in the state governance,” Shirodkar said.
He further warned, “If you arrest one Velingkar, thousand Velingkars will pour onto the streets and Parrikar will be solely responsible for the law and order situation which will follow.
