VASCO
Tension prevailed at Goa’s Dabolim Airport on Monday afternoon after BJP Yuva Morcha workers gathered near the airport exit and raised slogans against Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge, who arrived in Goa to address a party gathering.
Kharge arrived by flight and was welcomed by a large gathering of Congress workers, senior party leaders and supporters carrying party flags and flowers. BJP workers also gathered near the airport exit, anticipating his arrival.
The BJP workers raised slogans of “Vande Mataram” and shouted slogans against Kharge. The protest was linked to the BJP’s recent allegation that Kharge, along with Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, had signalled that the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ should not be played at an event. The BJP has demanded an apology from Kharge, while the Congress has denied the allegation.
As Kharge emerged from the airport, BJP workers continued their protest and allegedly attempted to prevent or obstruct his convoy from leaving. This prompted Congress workers who had gathered to welcome their national president to rush towards the exit area in large numbers.
The situation soon turned tense as BJP and Congress workers came face-to-face near the airport gates. Heated arguments and an exchange of words were witnessed between members of both groups, creating chaos in the area.
Police personnel intervened to prevent the situation from escalating and ensured that the BJP workers did not block Kharge’s convoy.
Following the intervention, the situation was brought under control and Kharge’s convoy was allowed to leave the airport. He then proceeded towards Verna, where he was scheduled to address a large gathering of Congress workers.
The face-off came amid heightened political activity in Goa, with both the BJP and Congress stepping up their programmes and public outreach ahead of the upcoming political season.
