the goan I network
MAPUSA
Censuring the unnecessary arrest of a Congressman over the protest of Shivaji statue in Bicholim, the Congress on Tuesday said the BJP was indulging in revenge politics and trying to suppress the voice of the people.
“Display of a ‘talwar’ (sword) is part of Goan Maratha culture. Talwars are displayed at wedding ceremonies, shigmotsav, ghode modni and other cultural gatherings. But we have never used it for violence...We shall continue to protect and preserve our culture. MGP and BJP are only playing politics and are not serious about people’s aspirations,” said Shankar Phadte, Congress Block President, Porvorim.
The Congress Block President of Bicholim Megashyam Raut was arrested under the Arms Act on charges of displaying a sword during a protest against shifting of the Shivaji Statue last week.
Phadte also slammed the government for playing divisive politics in the case of notices sent to a masjid in Porvorim.
He said the masjid existed for the last many years and wondered why such issues crop up during the elections.
According to North Goa District Congress President, Vijay Bhike, saffron parties were scared of the support young leadership of Congress received in Bicholim.
“BJP and MGP are frightened and are all out to suppress the young leaders like Megashyam Raut. He has been targeted because of Mhadei protest against Union Minister Prakash Javadekar,” Bhike said. Bicholim Congress Block President Megashyam Raut said MGP has lost its character as it has have failed to recognize Shivaji.
“We shall continue to fight for the iconic heroes of Bahujan Samaj like Shivaji. I am ready to go to jail and feel proud that I have done it for the sake of Shivaji,” Raut said.
