PANAJI
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is unwilling to let go of the controversy surrounding South Goa candidate Captain Viriato Fernandes’ "anti-Constitution" remark.
Speaking at a press conference in the party head office on Wednesday, BJP State President Sadanand Shet Tanavade responded to Viriato’s challenge for a debate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that after the controversial statement, Viriato has no credibility left for a debate on this.
Tanavade’s reaction came after the PM condemned Fernandes’ statement during an election rally in Chhattisgarh while also accusing the Congress of deliberately dividing the nation.
“After making such a comment against the Indian Constitution, Fernandes has lost any standing to debate with the PM. The video from Fernandes’ rally, where he criticised that the Constitution was imposed on Goa is irrefutable evidence, so what more debate does he need? Even our party workers can debate with him on this matter,” the BJP President stated.
The BJP also expressed disappointment, particularly given Fernandes’ background as a former defence official who had also sworn allegiance to the Indian Constitution while in politics. “His inconsistency is evident... If he lacks faith in himself and democracy, he is not suitable to contest elections,” Tanavade added, while also questioning whether Congress leader Rahul Gandhi endorsed the controversial remarks.
“At the time of Goa’s liberation, Jawaharlal Nehru was the PM. Therefore, it means that the Congress party has insulted Nehru and shown disrespect to the Constitution at the same time... This is something we vehemently condemn,” Tanavade said.
