PANAJI: Goa Congress on Wednesday demanded an immediate FIR against BJP youth workers over the protest during AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge’s arrival at Dabolim Airport, alleging a serious breach of security protocol and accusing the BJP leadership of encouraging “gundagiri”.
Congress spokesperson and senior leader Amit Palekar said the protest was necessitated by the conduct of BJP Youth President Tushar Kelkar and the BJP youth workers. “Kelkar, who is the BJP Youth President, is so blinded by devotion that he is leading young kids down a dangerous path,” Palekar said.
He alleged that the protesters used abusive language, loudspeakers, flags and sticks and surrounded Kharge’s vehicle as he exited the airport. Palekar said Kharge was a state guest, the AICC president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, and was protected by Z+ security.
He questioned why the police had permitted the protest in a high-security area and demanded an explanation from the Goa Police. “The Goa Police must clarify this today,” Palekar said, adding that they had filed a formal complaint with the South Goa SP.
Palekar alleged that the protesters threw flags, sticks and bouquets towards Kharge’s vehicle and members of his security team. “When ordinary youth protest at Azad Maidan without permission, the Goa Police slap cognizable offences on them. But when the BJP youth protest, why isn’t an FIR registered? Is there a different ‘BJP Nyaya Sanhita’ separate from the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?” he asked.
Palekar also criticised BJP State President Damodar Naik over his reported response to the protest. “Yesterday, I read a statement by the BJP State President. He talked about giving ‘good values’ to the youth. What values are you giving them?” Palekar said.
He alleged that instead of condemning the incident, Naik had praised the protesters. “Instead of condemning what happened yesterday, he says that they did well and that it is right. This means you are preparing a team of goons. What kind of values are you teaching the people of Goa?” he asked.
Youth Congress president Archit Naik accused the BJP youth wing of putting Kharge’s life at risk and said the protesters broke barricades, entered the road, used a loudspeaker without permission and threw objects at the vehicle. “We saw the ‘Goons of BJP’ at the airport. Who are these goons? They are the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha,” Archit Naik said.
He also accused Chief Minister Pramod Sawant of allegedly putting pressure on the police and demanded an FIR. “The Goa Police must remember that they are the protectors of the people of Goa, not of the government,” he said.
Naik challenged the BJP youth wing to protest over unemployment, drug abuse, youth suicides, law and order and other issues affecting Goa rather than targeting a visiting leader.
Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress president Pratiksha Khalap alleged that women members of the BJP youth wing used abusive language during the protest and criticised the BJP over its handling of youth and law-and-order issues.
Khalap also hit back at Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s remarks on the ‘Vande Mataram’ controversy, saying Congress did not need lessons in patriotism.
Seva Dal chief organiser Rajan Ghate defended Congress’s practice of singing the first two stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’, saying it had been followed by several national leaders. “The Congress Party does not need any certificate of patriotism from the BJP,” Ghate said.
Palekar further challenged the BJP’s 33 MLAs to publicly recite the complete song. “Call them live, live on air, and ask them to recite the full song and show us,” he said.
