Goa Minister Subhash Phal Desai was injured on Monday when he encountered a mob hurling stones at him after he unveiled a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in a village in South Goa. The incident occurred in Sao Jose De Areal village near Margao town, where tensions had escalated due to the installation of the Maratha king’s statue by some individuals, which was met with objection from another group.
The unveiling of the statue coincided with the 394th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, prompting events across the state to commemorate the occasion. However, the atmosphere turned hostile in the afternoon when the minister faced the attack while attempting to leave the site after the unveiling ceremony.
Describing the ordeal to PTI, the state’s social welfare minister revealed that he had attempted to engage in a peaceful discussion with the opposing group before the situation escalated into violence. Despite his efforts, he was targeted by the mob as he tried to enter his car, sustaining minor injuries in the process.
Despite the attack, the BJP minister expressed his intention not to file a police complaint to maintain communal harmony. He clarified that the statue was installed on private property donated by a Muslim resident, with no objections from the landowner until the incident occurred.
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Blaming local leaders, including AAP MLA Cruz Silva, for inciting violence, Phal Desai alleged that the situation worsened due to their influence. On the other hand, Silva accused the police of using excessive force, leading to injuries among the protestors.
The dispute also involved allegations regarding the legality of the approach road to the installation site, with Silva claiming that proper permissions were not obtained. Meanwhile, the panchayat had reportedly issued a stop-work order for the construction of the platform where the statue was installed.
While the situation remained tense with ongoing protests from villagers, police presence was heightened to ensure law and order. Phal Desai had earlier emphasized the significance of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue and criticized political forces for instigating opposition to its installation.
Local BJP leader Savio Rodrigues condemned the politicization of the issue, stressing the importance of recognizing Shivaji Maharaj’s contributions to the nation’s defense. He lamented attempts to exploit communal sentiments over such matters.
In conclusion, the unveiling of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue in Goa’s Sao Jose De Areal village was marred by violence and political controversy, reflecting broader tensions over communal issues in the region.
