Panaji, October 18: Amarnath Panjikar has rejected the Goa BJP’s allegations that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi disrespected Goa’s traditional Kunbi shawl during his recent visit to the state, accusing the ruling party of misrepresenting the incident for political gain.
Responding to a video circulated by the Goa BJP on social media, Panjikar claimed that Gandhi had not thrown away the shawl but had placed it on the podium.
According to Panjikar, Gandhi handed him the shawl and said, “This is for you.”
Panjikar accused the BJP of distorting the incident and attempting to create unnecessary controversy over an issue involving Goa’s cultural traditions and tribal identity. He maintained that Gandhi’s actions should not be portrayed as an insult to the state’s heritage.
Panjikar Questions BJP Over ₹4.40 Crore in Prerana Din Funds
Turning his criticism towards the ruling party, Panjikar questioned the BJP over the alleged misuse of ₹4.40 crore associated with Prerana Din celebrations.
He alleged that the controversy surrounding the Kunbi shawl was being used to divert public attention from questions concerning the expenditure of these funds.
Panjikar challenged the BJP to address the allegations and provide clarity on the financial matters instead of focusing on the controversy involving Gandhi.
He emphasised that transparency and accountability in the use of funds associated with tribal welfare should receive greater public attention.
However, the allegations concerning the ₹4.40 crore expenditure have not been independently verified.
Goa BJP’s Video Sparks Political Controversy
The controversy began after the Goa BJP shared a video on social media alleging that Rahul Gandhi had casually thrown aside a traditional Kunbi shawl during a public programme.
The party described the alleged action as disrespectful to Goa’s tribal community and its cultural traditions.
Panjikar has offered a different account, stating that Gandhi placed the shawl on the podium rather than throwing it away. His response has intensified the political exchange between the Congress and the BJP in Goa.
Political Debate Continues
The conflicting accounts have turned the Kunbi shawl incident into a fresh point of political contention in the state.
While the BJP has criticised Gandhi over the alleged incident, Panjikar has accused the ruling party of spreading misleading claims and called for greater scrutiny of the facts.
The allegations and counter-allegations come amid broader political disagreements in Goa, with both sides seeking to defend their positions.
The circumstances surrounding the shawl incident and the allegations concerning the ₹4.40 crore in Prerana Din funds remain matters requiring further verification.
