Goa CM Dismisses Sri Rama Sene Chief as Inconsequential
Panaji, Jun 27 (IANS): Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar Tuesday aggressively reiterated his commitment against the Karnataka based Hindu group Sri Rama Sene (SRS), calling its leader Pramod Muthalik "altu-faltu" (inconsequential).
Parrikar was responding to questions from the media about the proposed entry of the SRS in Goa and Muthalik's public invitation to Parrikar to inaugurate its proposed state unit.
The Goa administration had in 2009 banned Muthalik's entry into Goa, after media reports that he was planning to set up an SRS unit in the state.
"Why should I give so much weightage to Pramod Muthalik? Am I so bankrupt... I am asking you, should a chief minister accept such cheap invitations? Why should I pay attention to such altu faltu persons," asked Parrikar.
Muthalik's remarks about setting up shop in Goa earlier this month had created a public outcry here, with even the hospitality industry voicing its deep apprehensions.
The SRS had gained notoriety after its activists vandalized a pub in Mangalore, attacking its patrons including women in the name of "protection of Indian culture".