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Goa Forward chief warns of mass agitation

Demands sacking of minister

Goa Forward chief warns of mass agitation
Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai interacts with members of the public during his weekly darbar. Captured by : Santosh Mirajkar

MARGAO

Goa Forward chief Vijai Sardesai on Tuesday warned of a mass movement under the banner of Goenchya Porjecho Awaz if Chief Minister Pramod Sawant fails to arrest Gautam Kattar and remove Minister Mauvin Godinho from the Cabinet.  

Addressing the media, Sardesai said people across religions are hurt by Kattar’s remarks against St Francis Xavier and warned that protests would follow if justice is denied. He said such incidents never occurred under previous Chief Ministers, calling the present situation a “dangerous shift”.  

Sardesai alleged that Mauvin Godinho failed to intervene during the speech and appeared to support the remarks, raising serious concerns about his role as a Minister. He demanded Godinho’s immediate dismissal. He also criticised the government for lifting the ban on Pramod Muthalik, saying it allowed divisive elements into Goa and disturbed communal harmony.  

He further accused the government of attempting communal polarisation, adding that even some BJP leaders have admitted the incident was wrong.  

“Anything less will show the government is complicit,” he said.

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Goan settlers rise up in protest across Upper Ghat region against remarks

LOUIS RODRIGUES
Published Apr 22, 2026, 12:49 AM IST
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BELAGAVIA strong wave of condemnation has erupted across Goan settlers in the Upper Ghats region and parts of southern Maharashtra following alleged derogatory remarks made by Gautam Khattar in Goa against St Francis Xavier, widely revered as ‘Goencho Saib’.Religious leaders, lay representatives, and community members have expressed deep anguish, calling for immediate action and urging authorities to uphold communal harmony.Leading the condemnation, Bishop of Belgaum Derek…

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