Panaji: Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant has taken a strong stand against slogans allegedly raised during the CJP protest in Panaji on October 11, warning that attempts to disturb communal harmony will not be tolerated. The protest, organised over concerns surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demands for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, has since triggered a political row in the state.
According to reports by The Times of India and Goa News Hub, videos circulating on social media showed protesters allegedly raising slogans of “Hindutva Murdabad”. Sawant said the incident was being investigated and stressed that the government would take action in accordance with the law.
The Chief Minister also questioned the conduct of those involved, urging people to consider whether the slogans risked disturbing communal peace in Goa.
Goa CM Pramod Sawant Orders Probe Into Protest Slogans
Reacting to the controversy, Sawant said the government would not allow attempts to create communal disharmony. He also alleged that people from outside Goa had been brought in to participate in the protest and disturb the state’s peace.
The Chief Minister’s remarks have placed the conduct of the demonstration at the centre of a wider debate over public protest, political mobilisation and the responsibility of demonstrators to maintain peace.
The police investigation is expected to establish who raised the alleged slogans and whether any offence was committed. Any legal action will depend on the findings of the investigation and the applicable
Read Also: Goa Leads the Charge: Tops City-States in NITI Aayog’s Investment Friendliness Index
CJP Protest Over SIR Draws Police Action
The CJP demonstration was organised to protest the SIR process and demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. However, the event came under scrutiny after a confrontation over access to Azad Maidan in Panaji.
Goa Police detained seven protesters under Section 172(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, citing concerns linked to the demonstration and public order. The detentions subsequently became the subject of legal proceedings, with the Goa High Court ordering the protesters’ release.
The police defended their action in court, referring to concerns over demonstrations allegedly held without the required permissions. The episode has raised questions about how authorities regulate public gatherings while protecting the right to peaceful protest.
Sadanand Shet Tanawade Criticises Protesters
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanawade also criticised the demonstration, dismissing allegations of vote theft and questioning the protesters’ approach.
Tanawade maintained that peaceful protest is a democratic right but objected to the conduct of some participants, including the reported use of face coverings during the march. He argued that political disagreements should be addressed through democratic and lawful means rather than through actions that could cause public disorder.
The BJP has defended the Election Commission amid criticism over the electoral roll revision process. The controversy has also intensified the political exchange between the ruling party and groups questioning the conduct of the electoral exercise.
Electoral Roll Concerns and Communal Harmony Remain in Focus
The dispute has brought two distinct issues into focus: concerns over the electoral roll revision process and the controversy surrounding the slogans allegedly raised at the protest.
While questions about voter registration and electoral roll omissions can be pursued through the prescribed procedures, allegations of unlawful conduct at a demonstration must be examined through a fair investigation.
The Goa government has reiterated its position that attempts to disturb communal harmony will invite legal scrutiny. The police investigation will now be important in determining the circumstances surrounding the slogans and whether further action is warranted.
As the political debate continues, the episode underlines the need to protect both the right to peaceful protest and the public interest in maintaining communal harmony and law and order in Goa.
Read Also: CM Sawant’s Vision Wins: Zuari Towers Take Off
