Congress warns BJP : don’t use communal tactics to distract from governance failures

• Calls for Ban on T. Raja Singh

Goa Khabar : The Indian National Congress in Goa has strongly condemned the BJP government’s decision to invite T. Raja Singh, a polarizing figure with a history of hate speech and communal rhetoric, to the state. This move comes amidst mounting public outrage over the ongoing cash-for-jobs scam and rampant land conversions under the BJP regime.

Girish Chodankar, senior Congress leader, has termed this invitation as an attempt to divert attention from these 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 this cherished legacy,” Chodankar said.

He pointed out that 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,” Chodankar added.

The Congress has demanded immediate action from Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant to cancel Raja Singh’s visit, warning that his presence during the peak tourism season could trigger communal tensions, harming Goa’s reputation as a peaceful and serene destination.

“Will the BJP prioritize Goa’s communal harmony and tourism industry or continue its divisive agenda? It’s time for Goans to unite and reject politics that threaten the fabric of our society,” Chodankar urged.

The Congress Party reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Goa’s secular ethos and called on all peace-loving citizens to oppose any attempts to divide the state on communal lines.