LETTERS TO THE EDITOR…
HOW can the independence of the Election Commission of India be assured when vested interest parties exert control? Watch my whole interview with MG Devasahayem on Democratic Dialogues on YouTube. MG Devasahayam, former army and IAS officer, shares his take on the EVM manipulation issue, breakdown of democracy and the electoral process in India. The link is https://www.youtube.com/live/lxlrzDY-W9jE?SI=DyTsKRfoVCh-COBS
–Devsurabhee Yaduvanshi, Goa
CONGRESS CALLS FOR BAN ON T RAJA SINGH
THE Goa Congress strongly condemns the BJP government’s decision to invite T Raja Singh, a polarizing figure with a history of hate speech and communal rhetoric, to Goa. This comes amidst mounting public outrage over the ongoing cash-for-jobs scam and rampant land conversions under the BJP regime. The invitation is an attempt to divert attention from governance failures while sowing seeds of communal discord ahead of the 2027 assembly elections.
Goa is known globally for its communal harmony and peaceful coexistence. By inviting someone like T Raja Singh, who has faced accusations of promoting hate speech and communal violence, the BJP is jeopardizing the cherished legacy of Goa.
T Raja Singh’s track record, including his suspension from the BJP in 2022 over hate speech allegations and its controversial revocation in 2023, underscores the divisive nature of his presence. Raja Singh doesn’t deserve an invitation to Goa, he deserves a permanent ban, akin to Pramod Muthalik, whose entry was barred in the past and upheld by the high court.
The Congress demands immediate action from Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant to cancel T Raja Singh’s visit to Goa. His presence during the peak tourism season could trigger communal tensions, harming Goa’s reputation as a peaceful and serene destination.
It’s time for Goans to unite and reject politics that threaten the fabric of society. The Congress Party reiterates its commitment to safeguarding Goa’s secular ethos and calls on all peace-loving citizens to oppose any attempts to divide the state on communal lines.
–Girish Chodankar, senior Congress leader, Goa
(For the information of readers: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad is observing Gita Jayanti and Bajrang Dal’s “Shourya Yatra” will be part of it in Curchorem on December 8 from 3.30pm onwards. According to VHP spokespersons the “Shaurya Diwas Geeta Jayanti” event is not directed against any particular religion but aims to strengthen unity and strength within the Hindu community. According to Mohan Amshekar, Goa Division Minister of VHP, while speaking to media persons at a press conference in Panjim on December 5, 2024 Hindu society is courageous but lacks organisation as seen during the historical invasions by Mughals 2,000 years ago and Portuguese 400 years ago. He emphasized the importance of the Sangh (RSS) since 1924, VHP since 1964 and Bajrang Dal since 1968 in uniting Hindus. The Shaurya Yatra will proceed from Savarde Primary School through Curchorem market, pay homage at Shivaji’s statue, circle Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s statue, before concluding at the municipal grounds with a public meeting to be addressed by T Raja, a prominent Hindutva leader from Hyderabad, at 5pm.