Would’ve pulled him down by the collar: BJP veteran on Khattar row

MAPUSA

In a strong and unusually blunt reaction, former tourism minister and senior BJP leader Dilip Parulekar demanded swift action against Gautam Khattar for his alleged derogatory remarks against Goencho Saib (St Francis Xavier).

Refusing to comment directly on the presence of Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho and two other BJP MLAs on the same stage as Khattar during the Vasco event, Parulekar made it clear that he would not have remained a silent spectator.

“I don’t want to speak about the minister and the two MLAs who were on stage with Gautam Khattar. But if I was there when he mouthed those slurs against Goencho Saib, I would have caught him by the collar and pulled him down,” Parulekar said.

The two-time former Saligao MLA, known for his deep-rooted faith and cultural grounding, said the remarks had hurt the sentiments of Goans across communities.

Emphasising his personal devotion, Parulekar said that like countless Goans, he holds unwavering reverence for the saint.

“We pray to Goencho Saib. I have lit candles at Old Goa many times. Whenever I pass that side, I bow in respect. Goencho Saib will always remain the Saib of Goa,” he said.

Calling for firm government intervention, Parulekar urged authorities to act decisively against Khattar.

“The government should do everything within its power to trace him, bring him to Goa and arrest him immediately,” he said.

Highlighting Goa’s long-standing image as a peaceful and inclusive destination, Parulekar warned that such incidents threaten the State’s social fabric.

“Goa is known for its peace and communal harmony. People from across India and abroad come here, live here and even build homes. It is individuals like Khattar who try to vitiate this atmosphere,” he added.

In a pointed appeal, he further urged the government to ensure that such elements are kept away from the State.

“We must not allow anyone to disturb the harmony Goa is known for,” he said.

Parulekar’s remarks come amid growing outrage across Goa over the controversial comments, with political leaders, civil society groups and citizens demanding strict action – turning the issue into a major flashpoint with statewide resonance.