Panaji, Goa – Goa Forward Party President and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai has issued a sharp rebuke of the state government for failing to prevent the arrival of imported Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesh idols, which have now washed ashore following the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Expressing deep concern, Sardesai stated that the images of the idols littering Goa’s coastline have caused distress among the state’s devout Hindu community.
Sardesai pointed to the Chief Minister’s promises of “strict vigil” and “stringent action” against the influx of such idols, calling these assurances nothing but “hot air.” He remarked that many Goemkars woke up to the “distressing sight” of Lord Ganesh idols washing up on the beaches—a failure he attributes to government inaction.
In August, Sardesai had warned the government of the impending problem, urging strong deterrent measures to block the import of PoP idols ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi. Despite these warnings, he said, the government did not act, leading to what he described as a disrespect of religious sentiments and traditions.
“This is not only an environmental issue but also a blatant disregard for the faith and beliefs of thousands of Goemkars,” Sardesai said. He reiterated the importance of adopting locally made clay idols, which align with Goan traditions and are environmentally sustainable. Sardesai vowed to hold the government accountable for its failure and continue pressing for stronger border controls to prevent the further import of PoP idols into the state.
