Panaji, March 2 – The political atmosphere in Goa has heated up after Goa Forward Party (GFP) chief Vijai Sardesai criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what he termed the "Indianisation" of the state. In response, the BJP has strongly condemned Sardesai’s remarks, questioning his silence on comments made by noted Konkani writer Uday Bhembre regarding Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The controversy erupted after Sardesai met the 87-year-old writer and former MLA Bhembre on Saturday, following protests outside his residence in Margao by Bajrang Dal activists. The protests were triggered by Bhembre's video, Jagor, in which he refuted Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s claims that Shivaji Maharaj's rule had saved Goans from mass religious conversions during Portuguese rule.
Sardesai Criticizes BJP’s Influence in Goa
After his meeting with Bhembre, Sardesai alleged that the BJP was trying to replicate its governance style in Goa, similar to its strategies in Uttar Pradesh."Whoever does not belong to their ideology is physically harmed. This is the new culture of Indianisation of Goa. This is bad," Sardesai stated, accusing the BJP of authoritarian tactics.
He further denounced the protests against Bhembre, calling it an act of dadagiri (bullying) and claimed that Goa was turning into a “Banana Republic.”
"I appeal to Goans that Goa should not be made UP, Bihar. People here have the right to write what they think after studying history. They can call him (Bhembre) for an open debate over the topic," he asserted.
BJP’s Sharp Rebuttal
Reacting to Sardesai’s statements, Goa BJP spokesperson Giriraj Pai Vernekar took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the GFP leader, questioning his stance on the Indian Constitution."Vijai Sardesai swore by the Indian Constitution when he became a minister. Now, he rants about the 'Indianisation' of Goa. Hypocrisy or pure shamelessness?" Vernekar wrote.
He also targeted Sardesai for not addressing the controversial remarks made by Bhembre regarding Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
"Does he support lies about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj or his forces abducting women? Why is he silent on Bhembre's insult against a great Maratha King who is revered?" Vernekar added.
The BJP leader further accused Sardesai of favoring a "Portuguese history, largely biased against Hindus," and stated that any insult to Hindu icons would not be tolerated.
Bhembre Stands by His Statements
Despite the backlash, Bhembre has refused to retract his statements. His video, Jagor, had criticized CM Pramod Sawant’s interpretation of history, particularly Sawant’s claim that Shivaji’s rule had protected a majority of Goans from forced religious conversions during the Portuguese era.Bajrang Dal’s Goa convenor, Viraj Desai, dismissed Bhembre’s statements as historically inaccurate, alleging that the writer was distorting history to "please a particular community" and insult the Maratha king.
However, Bhembre has remained steadfast, stating he stands by his statements and will not apologize.
Growing Political Tensions
The controversy over historical narratives and political ideologies in Goa continues to escalate. While Sardesai has called for an open debate on the matter, the BJP and Bajrang Dal remain firm in their criticism of both the GFP leader and Bhembre.With elections on the horizon, this political confrontation is likely to further shape Goa's political discourse, as debates over history and governance intensify.
