As a follow up to Sri Ram Sene chief Pramod Muthalik’s interview that appeared on June 22 edition of Herald, our reporters spoke to politicians, social activists and prominent citizens in Goa to elicit their views about Muthalik’s plan to open a branch of his outfit in Goa and his agenda for the State. Majority of the persons who Herald spoke to, strongly disapproved and even denounced Muthalik’s immediate plan and his long term agenda for Goa. Excerpts
Govt, Goans will not allow Muthalik to spread his stupid principle: Dr Mesquita
HERALD: Pramod Muthalik has announced to open SRS outfit in Goa in August. What is BJP take on it?
Dr Wilfred Mesquita: BJP and chief minister in the past have been very clear on Muthalik. As an individual person, we cannot ban Muthalik from coming to Goa but government and Goans will not allow him to spread his stupid principle of religious or cultural hatred.
HERALD: So, Government will not allow Muthalik to set up his outfit in Goa?
Mesquita: I made it clear that we cannot stop him from entering Goa or setting his outfit here but we will not tolerate his anti-religious activities to take shape here. There are several Hindu organizations in the State and are running peacefully.
HERALD: Muthalik says he wants to awaken Goans against dance, drugs and pub culture.
Mesquita: Goa doesn’t require Muthalik or SRS to awaken its people against drugs or pub culture. Government and people of Goa are already fighting against it and that too very peacefully. This reason of Muthalik is “stupid” and we don’t want to comment more on such ‘stupidity’.
HERALD: Muthalik became part of BJP and later was asked to leave. So what this indicates.
Mesquita: It indicates that neither in party nor in any parts of India there is place for those people who try to spread communal disharmony.
Dr Wilfred Mesquita is BJP Spokesman
John wants Muthalik arrested
HERALD: Despite severe opposition, Muthalik has announced to open SRS outfit in Goa in August.
John Fernandes: There is nothing wrong in making announcement but people of Goa and Congress party will never allow him and his outfit to enter this peaceful State. We will fight. Goa will never welcome a destructive element to take roots.
HERALD: Do you think that launching of SRS in the state would disturb the communal harmony here?
John: Yes of course! He has proved that through his act in Bangalore and during his visit to Goa where he had asked Hindu people to keep swords in their houses. He is trying to destroy the peaceful fabric of Goa.
HERALD: Muthalik plans to make India a Hindu nation with support of other like minded organizations.
John: India is a country where all religions co-exist peacefully Hinduism is a secular religion. Majority of Hindu masses are secular. I would warn Muthalik not to create a Hindu-Taliban in the name of Hinduism.
HERALD: What steps your party would take to stop his entry into the State?
John: We will take up the issue before every authority including the State and Central govts to ban Muthalik. I would urge the government to arrest Muthalik under National Security Act.
John Fernandes is
Congress president
