Protests erupted across parts of Goa on October 6 as members of the Christian community took to the streets, demanding the arrest of Subhash Velingkar, the former chief of the Goa unit of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The unrest stems from Velingkar's controversial remarks about St Francis Xavier, a revered Catholic missionary and patron saint of Goa.
Demonstrators gathered in Old Goa, calling for action against Velingkar and urging like-minded individuals to join a larger protest planned for Margao in South Goa. The situation escalated late on October 4, when a group of protesters blocked a national highway in Margao, resulting in clashes with police. Authorities detained five individuals following the incident.
Velingkar, who recently suggested that a DNA test should be conducted on the relics of St Francis Xavier, has been accused of hurting religious sentiments. The RSS leader's comments have sparked outrage among the Christian community, leading to the filing of more than 12 cases against him.
The Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP), the social work wing of the Archdiocese of Goa, issued a statement condemning Velingkar's “insulting and derogatory” remarks. Fr Savio Fernandes, executive secretary of CSJP, said, “Velingkar's statements deeply hurt the religious sentiments not only of Catholics but also of so many people belonging to other faith communities who also revere the saint for having received numerous favours in their lives after praying to him.”
The CSJP urged protesters to exercise restraint for the sake of peace and communal harmony. Simultaneously, they appealed to authorities to take necessary strict action against Velingkar, as per the prevailing law, for “trying to disrupt communal harmony in Goa by deliberately and mischievously pitting one community against another”.
As tensions continue to simmer, Goa Church authorities have called for peace and restraint amid the growing protests. The situation has drawn attention from national political figures, with Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, criticising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly stoking communal tensions.
Gandhi stated on X.com, “The BJP is deliberately stoking communal tensions, with a former RSS leader provoking Christians and Sangh organisations calling for an economic boycott of Muslims. Across India, similar actions by the Sangh Parivar continue with impunity, backed by support from the highest levels.” He further asserted that “The people of Goa and the whole of India see through this divisive agenda and are standing united”.
The Congress leader also accused the BJP of exploiting ecologically sensitive areas in Goa, stating, “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.”
Girish Chodankar, former president of the Goa Pradesh Congress committee, told The Hindu that this is not the first time Velingkar has made hurtful remarks against St Francis Xavier. “The ruling party, the BJP, is trying to polarise Goans but they must realise that secularism is in the blood of Goans, it is not going to work. The signal is very clear, the BJP is targeting Muslims and Christians for their political agenda,” Chodankar said.
The controversy has gained additional significance due to the upcoming decennial exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier, scheduled from 21 November 2024 to 5 January 2025. This event, held at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, typically attracts thousands of pilgrims from around the world.
Protesters have demanded that Velingkar be externed from Goa until the exposition concludes. Meanwhile, Velingkar has filed an anticipatory bail plea before a local court, which refused to grant him interim relief from arrest and scheduled the matter for Monday.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) state unit president, Amit Palekar, weighed in on the situation, saying, “Don't let the peace and harmony of the State be disturbed. We have lived in peace for ages, and that should not be destroyed.”
