‘BJP Stoking Communal Tensions’ In Goa: Rahul Amid Protests Over Ex-RSS Leader's Remarks On St Francis Xavier

Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of deliberately inciting communal tensions in Goa amid protests by locals and political leaders against Subhash Velingkar, the former chief of the RSS's Goa unit.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of deliberately inciting communal tensions in Goa, asserting that such attempts will not go unchallenged. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Rahul Gandhi remarked, “Goa's appeal lies in its natural beauty and the warmth and hospitality of its diverse and harmonious people. Unfortunately, under BJP rule, this harmony is under attack.” 

He further stated, “The BJP is deliberately stoking communal tensions, with a former RSS leader provoking Christians and Sangh organisations calling for an economic boycott of Muslims.” Gandhi alleged that similar actions by the Sangh Parivar are occurring across India with impunity, supported by the highest levels of the BJP.

He claimed, “In Goa, the BJP's strategy is clear: divide the people while exploiting ecologically sensitive areas by illegally converting green land and bypassing environmental regulations—an assault on Goa's natural and social heritage.” He concluded by asserting that “the people of Goa and the whole of India see through this divisive agenda and are standing united.”

A row erupted after Subhash Velingkar, the former chief of the RSS's Goa unit, called for a “DNA test” of the relics of St. Francis Xavier, Goa's patron saint. Velingkar also questioned the saint’s status as “Goencho Saib” (Protector of Goa), Hindustan Times reported. His remarks have led to multiple complaints and protests due to outrage among the Christian community in the state.

Protest In Old Goa Over Ex-RSS Leader's Comments On St Francis Xavier

Rahul Gandhi's remarks come as locals and political leaders staged a protest in Old Goa on Sunday against the former RSS Goa unit chief, over his comments about St Francis Xavier. Protesters gathered in the morning and presented a memorandum at the local police station, demanding that Velingkar be externed until the decennial exposition of St Francis Xavier is complete, news agency PTI reported. This exposition will take place from November 2024 to January 2025.

The Bicholim police registered a case against Velingkar on Friday for allegedly hurting religious sentiments following his remarks about the saint, whose relics are preserved at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa.

Addressing the protest, Aam Aadmi Party's state unit president Amit Palekar urged, “Don't let the peace and harmony of the state be disturbed. We have lived in peace for ages, and that should not be destroyed.” He also called for the state government to handle such issues responsibly, questioning why none of the MLAs from the ruling party (BJP) were present with the protesters.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) Goa co-convenor Samil Volvoikar highlighted that people of all faiths revere St Francis Xavier, stating that Velingkar's comments create unnecessary problems in the state.