MAPUSA
Slamming the election authorities and political parties for agreeing to hold the by-elections during the Chaturthi festival, an assorted group of Hindu outfits called upon all "self-respected" Hindus to boycott the ensuing by-elections in the State.
"Although we have a Hindutva government in power, it has not been able to change the election date for the by-election. This government is not concerned about the Hindus. Each and every self-respected Hindu should boycott the election in Panaji and Valpoi," said Ramesh Naik, former Shiv Sena chief in Goa. Calling themselves as Ganesh Bhakts, the group of various Hindu outfits were addressing a news conference in Mapusa on Friday.
Speaking further, Naik said since Chaturthi was the biggest Hindu festival in Goa, the government should have opposed the election date which falls during the peak season of the festival. "Instead of preparing for the Chaturthi festival, many government officials will be busy due to the election process during the week," he said. He further reminded those in power that when the recent panchayat elections were scheduled during the Sao Joao festival, the government promptly changed the dates when the Christian brethren raised their voice against the clash of dates. Hindu Janjagruthi Samithi, in-charge, Jayesth Thali informed that a petition was submitted to the Election Commission authorities requesting it to change the election dates which was clashing with the Chaturthi festival.
"The code of conduct which will be in place before the Chaturthi will remain in force till March 30. It will affect the preparations of many during the festival," Thali said.
Criticizing the BJP for accepting the date for the by-election, Adv Mahesh Rane said the government could have taken precaution not to hold the elections during the Chaturthi festival.
"Congress lost a good opportunity to show that they were with the majority in the State. They should have not fielded candidates in both the constituencies in protest against the election date which was clashing with the Chaturthi festival," Rane said.
Bhai Pandit of the HJS and others also spoke.
