Team Herald
PANJIM: The BJP State unit has distanced itself from the controversial remarks made by its leader Subramanian Swamy to impose a beef ban in Goa with the Opposition demanding that the Manohar Parrikar government give an apt reply in the interest of the State.
During a debate on a national news channel earlier this week, Swamy stated that ‘tradition in Goa has to be changed’ clearly indicating implementing beef ban in near future.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar refused to comment on the remark saying that the matter is subjudice. “This is an old issue. The matter is before the court,” he said responding to a question by Herald whether his government intends to enforce the ban.
BJP State Unit President Vinay Tendulkar and General Secretary Sadanand Tanawde too declined to react. While Tendulkar said, “The matter is in the court. Government will solve the issue,” Tanawde said that it was the discretion of the government to take a call.
Swamy’s interview has, however, drawn criticism across the State. Congress has labelled the statement as irresponsible. “The person (referring to Swamy) who has no idea about Goa’s culture and its people’s lifestyle should not make such irresponsible comments. I think the BJP in Goa should give him a befitting reply,” State Congress President Luizinho Faleiro demanded.
Aam Admi Party (AAP) Goa convener Elvis Gomes said, “We condemn the rabid and radical statement of BJP leader Swamy hinting at the BJP’s agenda of tinkering with Goa’s way of life and the people’s eating habits.”
