Margao | April 21, 2026 : Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai today addressed the media in Margao, strongly condemning the controversial remarks made by Gautam Khattar against St. Francis Xavier, revered across Goa as Goemcho Saib.
Sardesai stated that the remarks have deeply hurt the sentiments of Goans across communities and questioned the continued silence and inaction of the State government. He pointed out that despite multiple FIRs being filed, there is no clarity on when Khattar will be arrested or what action will be taken against those responsible for inviting him to Goa.
Referring to statements made by the Chief Minister and subsequent developments, Sardesai alleged that Mauvin Godinho not only failed to intervene during the speech but appeared to endorse the remarks in his own address. “This raises serious concerns when a Protocol Minister is seen supporting such statements instead of condemning them,” he said, demanding Godinho’s immediate removal from the Cabinet.
Drawing from Goa’s political history, Sardesai noted that under previous Chief Ministers—including Dayanand Bandodkar, Pratapsingh Rane, Manohar Parrikar, Laxmikant Parsekar, Ravi Naik, and Digambar Kamat—such an incident had never occurred. He said the current episode reflects a dangerous shift under the present regime.
Sardesai also criticized the government for lifting the ban on Pramod Muthalik, warning that such decisions have allowed divisive elements to enter Goa and disturb its communal harmony. He emphasized that the late Manohar Parrikar had enforced the ban to prevent precisely such situations.
Questioning the granting of State Guest status to Khattar, Sardesai asked who invited him, who approved the protocol, and how a minister came to share the stage without objecting to the remarks. “These are not isolated incidents. There must be accountability,” he said.
Issuing a direct warning, Sardesai said that with the Chief Minister’s birthday approaching on April 24, the government must act decisively before then. He demanded the immediate arrest of Gautam Khattar, action against the organisers, and the dismissal of Mauvin Godinho from the Cabinet.
Citing Narendra Modi’s earlier statement recognizing St. Francis Xavier as a symbol of unity and communal harmony, Sardesai questioned why the State government has failed to uphold these values.
He further alleged that such incidents point to a deliberate attempt by the BJP government to create communal polarization in Goa, which he said has backfired. Sardesai noted that even several BJP leaders have now publicly acknowledged that the incident was wrong.
Sardesai warned that if the Chief Minister fails to act, a mass movement will be launched under the banner Goenchya Porjecho Awaz to defend Goa’s identity and communal harmony. “The people of Goa—across religions—are hurt. If justice is not delivered, we will unite as the voice of Goa and take to the streets,” he said.
Concluding, Sardesai reiterated that the Chief Minister is accountable to the people of Goa and must demonstrate that the rule of law prevails. “Arrest him, act against those responsible, and remove the Minister who endorsed such remarks. Anything less will show that this government is complicit,” he asserted.
