A political controversy has erupted in Goa as the BJP and Congress clash over South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes’ recent visit to the Lairai Devi temple in Shirgaon, coming just a day after a tragic stampede at the temple’s jatra claimed six lives.
The temple committee received Fernandes and presented him with a shawl during his visit, an act the BJP has termed a “felicitation.” BJP spokesperson Giriraj Pai Vernekar strongly criticized the Congress MP for accepting what appeared to be an honorary gesture so soon after the deadly incident, calling it insensitive to the grieving families.
The Congress, however, has defended Fernandes’ visit, stating it was a gesture of solidarity with the affected community. The controversy has further intensified political tensions in the state ahead of ongoing election-related developments.