Team Herald
PANJIM: Demanding a ban on the right wing Hindu outfit, Sanatan Sanstha, the Congress on Wednesday made a scathing attack on Public Works Department Minister Ramakrishana (Sudin) Dhavalikar accusing him and his family members of being sympathizers of the organization.
Addressing the media, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Sunil Kawthankar alleged that MGP is BJP’s agent to create communal hatred and division among the secular and peaceful people of Goa.
Congress demanded that the government declare Sanatan Sanstha a terror organization and ban it, for the involvement of its member in the murder of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar, and the accused having links with the Margao bomb blast (in 2009) accused.
“The activities of Sanatan Sanstha should be banned with immediate effect… One of their seekers (Dr Virendra Tawade) has been arrested by CBI in connection with the Dabholkar murder and he has close links with Margao bomb blast accused, (Sarang Akolkar) who is on run,” he said.
“We demand the organization (Sanatan Sanstha) be declared as terror organization and be banned. We had written to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in the past and they had said that it is the State matter,” he said and added, “If Pramod Muthalik (Ram Sena chief) can be banned why not Sanatan Sanstha?”
Congress, however, said this won’t happen as the organization is running with the blessings of a minister. “The close links of the PWD minister and his family members including his brothers and wife, with the Sanatan Sanstha has made the government go slow on the issue. They are sympathizers of this terror organization,” he said.
Stating that Congress will not allow a terror organization to function in their backyard, he said BJP should stop helping those who create hatred and violence in society.
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Congress hits out at fifth casino
PANJIM: Congress on Wednesday raised strong objections to the State government’s decision to allow a new offshore casino vessel in River Mandovi. “The BJP government is run by the casino lobby. It has sold Goa to these casino operators,” Congress spokesperson Sunil Kawthankar alleged. The government has granted a license to Delta Corp’s wholly owned subsidiary – Delta Pleasure Cruise Company – to operate its vessel ‘MV Royale Flotel – Deltin Caravela’ in the Mandovi River. This vessel will be the fifth offshore casino in River Mandovi.
Last year the company was given a license to operate a casino at its hotel ‘Deltin Suites’. “This is nothing but another U-turn by the government. They have gifted yet another casino to the people,” he said.
