Protests broke out across parts of Goa on Sunday, with members of the Christian community demanding the arrest of Subhash Velingkar, the former Goa chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), over his controversial remarks about St Francis Xavier, a revered Catholic missionary. Demonstrators gathered in Old Goa, calling for action against Velingkar, and urged others to join in a larger protest planned for Margao, South Goa.
Late on Saturday, tensions escalated as protesters blocked a national highway in Margao and clashed with police forces, resulting in the detention of five protesters. Amid the growing unrest, authorities from the Goa Church urged for peace and restraint, while calls for action against Velingkar continued to intensify.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, condemned the BJP for allegedly fostering communal tensions in Goa.
Stating that Goa’s peaceful and diverse society is under attack, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused BJP led State govt for deliberately creating communal tension, said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
In a post on X, Gandhi said that in Goa, BJP’s strategy is clear: divide the people, exploit ecologically sensitive areas by illegally converting green land and bypassing environmental regulations, an assault on Goa’s natural and social heritage.
He charged that BJP is deliberately stoking communal tensions, with a former RSS leader provoking Christians and Sangh organisations calling for an economic boycott of Muslims.
“Unfortunately, under BJP rule, State’s harmony is under attack,” he said.
Across India, similar actions by the Sangh Parivar continue with impunity, backed by support from the highest levels, he added.
Velingkar faces more than a dozen complaints for “hurting religious sentiments” following his remarks about St. Francis Xavier, whose relics are held at Old Goa’s Basilica of Bom Jesus. Though multiple complaints have been filed, Velingkar has not been arrested. He filed for anticipatory bail on Saturday, but the court denied immediate relief, scheduling the hearing for Monday.
Authorities are working to control the protests and maintain order as tensions remain high.
