Goa minister injured in stone pelting after unveiling Shivaji statue

Crowd during an attack on Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Desai with stones while he was returning after installing statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on Monday. Pic/PTI

Goa Minister Subhash Phal Desai was injured when stones were pelted after the unveiling of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at a village in South Goa on Monday. On Sunday, Shivaji Maharaj statue was installed in Sao Jose De Areal village near Margao town, amidst heavy police presence as another group took objection.

The stone pelting occurred in the afternoon when the minister was getting into his car after unveiling the statue. Monday, February 19 marks the 394th birth anniversary of the Maratha emperor- Chhatrapati Shivaji, and events are held across the state and country to celebrate it.

Talking to PTI, the state social welfare minister Subhash Phal Desai said, "A mob opposing the installation of the statue pelted stones after I had a brief discussion with them in the village." A few stones hit him, and he sustained a minor injury, he said.

The minister clarified that he would not file a police complaint to ensure communal harmony. Phal Desai added that he started a dialogue with the aggrieved villagers, however, the talks remained inconclusive.

The statue is installed in a private property donated by a Muslim resident, the minister clarified. Phal Desai, who visited the village on Sunday, had earlier said, "No one must have any objection to the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Some political forces are instigating locals against the installation of the statue."

Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police (South) Sunita Sawant said that the situation is under control, and police personnel have been deployed in the village.

Taking to X on Monday, local BJP leader Savio Rodrigues said, "As an Indian Christian I have the highest respect for the contribution of Chhatrapati Shivaji towards protecting our motherland. I am disappointed that some in Goa equate his sacrifices for our motherland as a point of contention to play their communal politics."

Shivaji was a hardcore nationalist and every Indian must be inspired by him because of his immense valour and devotion to Bharat Mata, Rodrigues further said.

(With PTI Inputs)