'Goa’s Harmony Under Attack': Rahul Gandhi Over Ex-Goa RSS Chief’s Controversial Remarks

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP ) claiming that the party is stoking “communal tensions in Goa .” The Leader of Opposition’s(LoP) remarks come after former RSS leader Subhash Velingkar called for a “DNA test” of the relics of St. Francis Xavier, the state's patron saint, and questioned the saint’s status as “Goencho Saib” (Protector of Goa). 

Velingkar comments have irked the Christian community, leading to multiple complaints and protests. “ Goa ’s appeal lies in its natural beauty and the warmth and hospitality of its diverse and harmonious people. Unfortunately, under BJP rule, this harmony is under attack,” wrote Rahul Gandhi in a post on X. 

“Across India, similar actions by the Sangh Parivar continue with impunity, backed by support from the highest levels,” Gandhi said.

“In Goa , the BJP ’s strategy is clear: divide the people while exploiting ecologically sensitive areas by illegally converting green land and bypassing environmental regulations—an assault on Goa’s natural and social heritage,” he added.

“ BJP ’s attempts will not go unchallenged. The people of Goa and the whole of India see through this divisive agenda and are standing united.”

An FIR has also been lodged against Velingkar for "hurting religious sentiments" under Section 299 of the Indian Penal Code. 

“Similar action will be applied for Velingkar as was done in the case of Father Bolmax Pereira (a priest previously arrested for allegedly making provocative remarks),” said Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.