BJP demands probe in cases of thefts in chapels, vandalism NT Staff Reporter
Panaji March 17: The Bharatiya Janata Party Legislature Party (BJPLP), at its pre-budget session meeting today, passed a resolution demanding serious investigation in the recent cases of vandalism and thefts in the religious houses, particularly thefts on large scales in the chapels. The leader of the opposition, Mr Manohar Parrikar, addressing a press conference, at the BJP headquarters, today said that BJPLP took stock of the situation in the state during the past one year and condemned the failure of the government in protecting the life and property of the citizens in Curchorem, as well as failure of the police to nab those responsible for vandalising the religious structures, especially holy crosses. "The government has displayed indifference and casual approach towards the citizens and their religious sentiments," he observed. Mr Parrikar also said that the BJP would be cornering the treasury benches during the forthcoming budget session on these issues, though the session has been convened for only five days. "The government wants to run away from its responsibility of replying to the questions of public importance and hence it has convened the budget session of only five days, just enough to complete the formality of presenting the budget and then take Vote on Account," he said. It is shocking but true, Mr Parrikar said, "during past one year, there have been many notorious firsts in the history of Goa, civil unrest resulting into a killing, communal riots and then, arrest of a terrorist with deadly weapon like RDX, at Saleli, Curchorem and Margao, respectively." The opposition will grill the government in the House on these issues, he maintained. The leader of the opposition also said that the BJP suspects hand of a 'ruling politician' in the recent vandalism of a Cross at Comba, Margao. "This has been done with an objective to create fear psychosis in the minds of the minority community so that their attention is diverted from the non-performance of the government," he pointed out. Mr Parrikar further alleged that the Congress party wants to scare the minorities on religious grounds and then use the situation to its benefit during the election, for garnering votes. "This is because the Congressmen are unable to approach the voters on any other plank," he noted. Mr Parrikar also said that it suits the Congressmen to point out to the 'communal forces in the state' whenever there is any religious problem in Goa. "By doing so, they can shy away from all the responsibilities," he stated. -- TUMCHER AXIRVAD ASSUM; DEV BOREM KORUM. Gabe Menezes. London, England Comment: Readers, do you really think the BJP/RSS is truly concerned at the desecration of Catholic Icons? This is nothing but a bid to capitalise on the current sentiments of the Catholics. Parrikar and the BJP/RSS should first condemn those who took the law into their own hands in Cuchorem/Sanvordem.
