NT Reporter
Margao
Goa Forward Party (GFP) president and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai on Tuesday, while condemning remarks made by YouTuber Gautam Khattar against St Francis Xavier, questioned the silence of the state government on the issue. He said that despite multiple FIRs being filed, there was no clarity on when Khattar would be arrested or what action would be taken against those who invited him to Goa.
Sardesai warned that Goans would take to the streets if action was not taken, while also questioning Panchayat and Protocol Minister Mauvin Godinho for failing to intervene while the remarks were made.
“Godinho not only failed to intervene during the speech but appeared to endorse the remarks in his own address. This raises serious concerns when a Protocol Minister is seen supporting such statements instead of condemning them. He should be immediately removed from the Cabinet,” he said.
Sardesai also criticised the government for lifting the ban on Pramod Muthalik, stating that such decisions had allowed divisive elements to enter Goa and disturb communal harmony. “Late chief minister Manohar Parrikar had imposed the ban to prevent such situations,” he said, questioning who invited Khattar, who approved the protocol, and how a minister shared the stage without objecting.
“These are not isolated incidents. There must be accountability,” he said.
He demanded the immediate arrest of Khattar, action against organisers and Godinho’s dismissal from the Cabinet. “If justice is not delivered, we will unite as the voice of Goa and take to the streets,” he said.
