Remarks against St Xavier: Goa’s communal harmony can’t be disturbed by outside speakers, says CM

PANAJI: (Apr 20) Goa’s communal harmony cannot be compromised by outsiders, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant asserted on Monday amid the row triggered by right-wing activist Gautam Khattar’s remarks against St Francis Xavier, the state’s patron saint.

A controversy erupted after a video of Khattar, the founder of Sanatan Mahasangh, addressing an event on Saturday evening in the presence of Swami Brahmeshanand, state Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho and BJP MLAs Sankulp Amonkar and Daji (Krishna) Salkar, went viral.

Goa Police have registered an FIR against Khattar for “hurting religious sentiments” with his alleged objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier, whose relics are preserved at the Basilica of Bom Jesus Church, Old Goa.

Meanwhile in a scathing attack on the remarks made by right wing activist Guatam Khattars remarks against St Francis xavier member of Rajya sabha in a media briefing at Mapusa also condemned the statements made by khattar terming it as totally wrong and trying to instill communal disharmony