Protests erupted in Goa over inflammatory remarks made by former RSS leader, Subhash Velingkar, about a revered Catholic missionary, St. Francis Xavier. While the Goa Church called for peace and strongly condemned Velingkar's statements, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of purposely sparking communal tensions in Goa and across India. Calls for strict legal action against Velingkar were made by the Council for Social Justice and Peace, but despite multiple complaints, he has not yet been arrested and has sought anticipatory bail.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and St. Francis Xavier: Inflammatory Remarks and Protests in Goa
Background
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization founded in 1925. It is the ideological parent of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the ruling party of India. St. Francis Xavier was a 16th-century Spanish Jesuit missionary who played a significant role in spreading Catholicism in India, including Goa.
Recent Events
In January 2023, former RSS leader Subhash Velingkar made controversial remarks about St. Francis Xavier, accusing him of forcibly converting Hindus and destroying temples. These remarks sparked protests in Goa, a state with a significant Catholic population. The Goa Church condemned Velingkar's statements and called for peace.
Political leaders also reacted strongly. Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition Congress party, accused the BJP of deliberately creating communal tensions. The Council for Social Justice and Peace demanded strict legal action against Velingkar.
Despite multiple complaints, Velingkar has not been arrested and has sought anticipatory bail.
Significance
Velingkar's remarks have highlighted the ongoing tensions between Hindu nationalists and religious minorities in India. The RSS has been accused of promoting a divisive agenda that seeks to marginalize non-Hindus. The controversy also raises questions about freedom of speech and the role of the government in protecting religious minorities.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Who is Subhash Velingkar? A: Subhash Velingkar is a former RSS leader and a prominent figure in Goan politics. He has been known for his controversial statements and his support for Hindu nationalist causes.
2. What did Velingkar say about St. Francis Xavier? A: Velingkar accused St. Francis Xavier of forcibly converting Hindus and destroying temples.
3. Why did Velingkar's remarks cause protests? A: Velingkar's remarks sparked protests because they were seen as an attack on the Catholic community and an attempt to rewrite history.
4. What is the BJP's stance on Velingkar's remarks? A: The BJP has distanced itself from Velingkar's remarks, stating that they do not reflect the party's views.
5. What legal action has been taken against Velingkar? A: Despite multiple complaints, Velingkar has not been arrested as of this date. He has sought anticipatory bail.
The installation of Sai Baba idols in temples in Varanasi has sparked a controversy, with Hindu organisations calling for their removal claiming that Sai Baba was a Muslim and had no connection with Sanatan Dharma. This has resulted in the removal of idols from 14 temples, with more to follow. While some argue that there is no objection to the worship of Sai Baba, there is opposition to his idols being installed in temples.
Savitri Jindal, the richest woman in India according to Forbes, has announced her support for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Haryana assembly elections. This comes as a major boost for the BJP, who also gained two Independent MLA's in their favor. Jindal, who represents Hisar, had previously been a part of the Congress government but left to join the BJP with her son Naveen. With her support, the BJP now has a majority in the state assembly and can continue their reign in Haryana.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assures that the 'Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana' will not be discontinued, but rather the benefits will be gradually increased. This statement was made during the inaugural ceremony of various state-level schemes for women empowerment, in the presence of Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. Shinde emphasizes the importance of this scheme in empowering women and improving their lives, with over 2.5 crore beneficiaries already receiving benefits. He also mentions the state government's decision to provide free electricity for agricultural pumps as a means to support farmers. This scheme has garnered praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, making Maharashtra a role model for women's empowerment in the country.
In a major setback to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, influential young leader Dipesh Mhatre from Dombivli has joined the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT). Mhatre, who was an office bearer in Yuva Sena, is likely to contest the upcoming assembly elections against PWD minister Ravindra Chavan of the BJP. This move by Mhatre marks the first instance of a revolt in Shinde's home district and could create tension between the Shiv Sena and BJP in Kalyan and Dombivli. Additionally, Mhatre's joining also signals a growing trend of local leaders shifting their political allegiance ahead of the upcoming assembly polls.
In a surprising move, former Kerala Jail DGP R Sreelekha joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday, putting an end to her 33-year-long career as a non-political police officer. She was welcomed into the party by state president K Surendran during the Navaratri festival. Sreelekha's decision to join the BJP was influenced by the party's values and the strong governance of the Narendra Modi-led government. Her extensive experience and contributions to the police force will be an asset for both the party and the people of Kerala.
In a surprising move, billionaire X owner Elon Musk appeared at a recent Donald Trump rally, sporting a "Make America Great Again" cap and voicing support for the president. For columnist Teri Carter, this is just the latest evidence of Musk and Trump's growing alliance in the final stretch of the presidential election. This raises questions about Musk's previous stance on free speech and begs the question of why Republican legislators are not speaking out against a major media company owner openly campaigning for Trump.
In a surprising turn of events, India's richest woman Savitri Jindal and two other Independent MLAs have agreed to support BJP in forming the government in Haryana after the party won the elections with a huge majority. Jindal, who won from Hisar, along with Devender Kadyan and Rajesh Joon, agreed to support BJP after meeting with party leaders. This has helped BJP reach a tally of 51 seats and secure a hat-trick of wins in the state, defeating anti-incumbency and Congress' comeback attempt. This decision has also brought Jindal back into the political spotlight, with her being listed as the richest woman in India by Forbes with a net worth of USD 29.1 billion.
Omar Abdullah, the leader of National Conference, speaks about his party's victory in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections and their stance on Article 370. He states that they will continue to advocate for the restoration of Article 370, but it is useless to talk to the BJP about it while they are in power. Abdullah also comments on Congress' performance in the Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly elections, saying that they must analyze their results carefully. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi acknowledges the unexpected results in Haryana and expresses gratitude for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a tight race for the Julana seat in the Haryana Assembly elections, wrestler Vinesh Phogat – now a Congress candidate – has regained her lead against the BJP's Yogesh Kumar and the JJP's Amardeep Dhanda. Phogat's entry into politics comes after a tumultuous period in her wrestling career, marked by disqualification and resignation. As the BJP and Congress vie for control in Haryana, the performance of the Congress in Julana could be a deciding factor.
As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secures a lead in Haryana Assembly elections, it has received support from three Independent MLAs, bringing its tally to 51 seats. BJP state president Mohan Lal Badoli has credited this victory to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies and the hard work of party workers. Haryana MLA Savitri Jindal, whose son is a BJP MP, has also extended support to the party.