MARGAO
Former RSS leader Subhash Velingkar’s statement on St Francis Xavier has evoked outrage and condemnation from Salcete politicos.
Goa Forward Chief, MLA Vijai Sardesai said most important thing all should remember is that one should never, through words or deeds, shatter the communal harmony and friendship prevailing in Goa that many states in India look at with admiration and envy.
In a statement issued over Velingkar’s briefing, Sardesai said, “We must make sure that we do not intrude on matters of faith and belief, and must keep personal spaces out of public debate. No one can tell anyone else who St Francis Xavier or Lord Parashuram should be to them.”
He added: “No one should venture out to influence or decide for others, or shape their thinking, and should leave such things to each Goemkar who is mature, progressive and pluralistic to lead their own lives and make their own decisions. Let’s all look to the future and see how we can as Goans shape it for the betterment of all”.
Aam Aadmi Party Velim MLA Cruz Silva has said no one has given the title Goencho Saib to St Francis Xavier and no one can really take it away.
“It is born out of a living tradition. The attempt to invent a tradition to usurp the title of St Francis and give it to Parshuram smacks of sinister and divisive agenda,” he said.
Cruz added: “This hate politics will not take you anywhere. Why Arabicize Parasurama. Find Sanskritic title. Arabicization of Parasurama exposed the hypocrisy of its proponents who swear to be upholders of everything indic. What they really do is uphold hate and manuvad”.
Cuncolim Congress MLA Yuri Alemao has said that Goencho Saib is an icon of hope and safety and revered all over the world and across all religions.
“We are taught to respect every religion, faith and belief. In the spirit of unity within diversity, we Goans celebrate festivals together, sharing in each others’ joys and sorrows,” he said.
The Cuncolim MLA has urged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to ensure that Goa’s secular fabric is preserved at all times.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Scheduled Tribes leader Anthony Barbosa has made a fervent plea to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to nip in the bud attempts made to disturb the communal harmony in the state.
Condemning the statement made by Velingkar, Barbosa suspected that the communally-loaded statement has been deliberately made to disturb the BJP-led government headed by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
“I fail to understand how Velingkar could target St Francis Xavier, who is being revered by people across the world, irrespective of religious affiliations. Velingkar must be either in his 60s or 70s and I fail to understand how he has suddenly realized St Francis Xavier cannot be Goencho Saib for the people,” Barbosa wondered, while urging the Chief Minister to initiate action.
Condemning the statement made by Velingkar, former Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao warned that the people of Goa will not allow anyone to say a word against the patron saint.
“We are hurt and disturbed by these statements but not scared of such communal elements like Velingkar,” he said.
Churchill urged the Chief Minister to take strong action in the matter. “We Goans are united by caste, creed and religion and no one can break our unity. We will do everything in our strength and might to protect our religion and harmony of our beautiful State,” he added.
Ex-minister lodges complaint
MARGAO: Former Minister Mickky Pacheco has lodged a formal complaint with the Colva police in the matter.
The Colva police has forwarded Mickky’s complaint to the Panaji police station given that Velingkar had reportedly made the statement at a media briefing held in the capital city.
Mickky has lodged his complaint under Sections 153A, 153B, 295 and 505 of Insian Penal Code, pointing out that the Indian constitution declares India to be a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic.
“At the media briefing, Velingkar and others under the banner of Hindu Raksha Maha Aghadi uttered disturbing comments aimed at creating enmity between communities. He further said that St Francis Xavier, whom the Goans and people cutting across geographical boundaries revere as a Saint and ‘Goencho Saib’, cannot be Goencho Saib,” Mickky said. The complaint further stated that Velingkar spewed venom with the sole aim of creating communal disharmony.
Saying Velingkar has committed offences under Sections 153A, 153B, 295 and 505 of IPC and ought to be booked immediately, Mickky said Velingkar is a threat to national security and appears to be playing at the behest of some enemies to not only create enmity between communities but also create civil unrest to destabilize the nation.
