'Goa’s Harmony Under Attack': Rahul Gandhi Over Ex-Goa RSS Chief’s Controversial Remarks

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP ) claiming that party is stoking “communal tensions in Goa .” Leader of Opposition’s(LoP) remarks come after former RSS leader Subhash Velingkar called for a “DNA test” of relics of St. Francis Xavier, state's patron saint, and questioned saint’s status as “Goencho Saib” (Protector of Goa). 

Velingkar comments have irked Christian community, leading to multiple complaints and protests. “ Goa ’s appeal lies in its natural beauty and warmth and hospitality of its diverse and harmonious people. Unfortunately, under BJP rule, this harmony is under attack,” wrote Rahul Gandhi in a post on X. 

“Across India, similar actions by Sangh Parivar continue with impunity, backed by support from highest levels,” Gandhi said.

“In Goa , BJP ’s strategy is clear: divide people while exploiting ecologically sensitive areas by illegally converting green land and bypassing environmental regulations—an assault on Goa’s natural and social herit,” he added.

“ BJP ’s attempts will t go unchallenged. people of Goa and whole of India see through this divisive nda and are standing united.”

An FIR has also been lodged against Velingkar for "hurting religious sentiments" under Section 299 of Indian Penal Code. 

“Similar action will be applied for Velingkar as was done in case of Far Bolmax Pereira (a priest previously arrested for allegedly making provocative remarks),” said Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.