MAPUSA
Taking strong exception at attempts to mislead the residents of Sao Jacinto Island to disallow the Indian Navy from hoisting the national tri-colour, State BJP President Sadanand Tanavde on Saturday said a case should be filed against NCP President Jose Philip and legal action should be initiated against him.
“I condemn the act of Jose Philip. He is not fit to be a public representative. If anyone files a case against him then the government should take immediate action against him,” Tanavde said, while interacting with the journalists in Aldona.
The BJP President said he could understand if the people had objected to unfurling of the BJP flag on the island.
“People are free to oppose the BJP from hoisting of our party flag. They are free to do that politically. But someone opposing unfurling the Indian flag is not done. Sao Jacinto island is part of India and the government has full right to hoist the flag there,” he said.
On Friday, some locals along with State NCP President, Jose Philip objected to the Indian Navy’s plan to hoist the tricolour on Sao Jacinto Island as part of the celebration of 75 years of India’s independence.
The Navy later issued a statement cancelling the event due to the objection of the local residents of the island.
Tanavde deplored the behaviour of former minister and ex-MLA of Vasco Jose Philip for misleading the people of the island.
“He is the president of a national party in the State and this behaviour did not behove of a public representative. People should slam him if he comes to campaign for the election,” he said.
Meanwhile, Secretary of BJP Executive Committee Gorakh Mandrekar also condemned the behaviour of NCP President Jose Philip for instigating the people against hoisting of the national flag.
“We don’t mind if the locals do not allow others to buy land on the island but we won’t tolerate someone opposing the navy to hoist the flag on the island. It is anti-national behaviour. We won’t remain silent spectators if the people continue such behaviour,” Mandrekar said, while addressing a press conference at North Goa BJP District office in Mapusa.
