MARGAO
Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Damu Naik came under fire for his statement, terming Goan Diaspora as “Bebe”, with Congress workers setting his effigy afire near the South BJP office and demanding an unconditional apology from the BJP leader.
The protest organised by the South Goa district Congress Committee saw Congress workers coming face to face with Fatorda PI Kapil Nayak, who disallowed the burning of effigy below the district BJP office. In fact, PI Kapil along with a strong posse of policemen maintained a strict vigil below the BJP office, as a precautionary measure. Heated arguments ensued between the Congress workers led by district President Joe Dias and the Fatorda police station, who stood his ground and did not allow burning of Damu’s effigy below the BJP office. The effigy was finally set afire opposite the road with Congress workers demanding apology from Damu Naik.
District president Joe Dias told the media that Goans have migrated abroad just for the purpose of employment as the government has failed to create job opportunities. Demanding withdrawal of the statement, Joe has threatened to intensify the agitation.
Senior GPCC leader Altinho Gomes demanded an apology saying the statement made by the BJP office bearer is an insult to the people of Goa.
A seaman Raymond Fernandes termed as “useless” people who are terming Goans working abroad as frogs while Congress leader from Benaulim, Royla Fernandes said that Damu’s statement is highly condemnable, saying it is inhuman to compare humans with frogs.
“Who has given Damu the right to term Goans working abroad as “Bebe”. Just because these Goans are concerned about their motherland, they are called by these names,” she questioned, while strongly condemning Damu’s statement.
