Panaji, Nov 28 (IANS): The Congress on Thursday claimed victory, after Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Parakash Javadekar failed to grace the closing ceremony of the 50th edition of the International Film Festival of India, one of Asia's largest film festivals, which his co-organised by his Ministry.

Javadekar, who also holds the portfolio for Environment and Forests was heckled by Congress workers during the inaugural ceremony of the festival, who accused him of betraying Goa's interests, after his central ministry last month gave a green nod to a controversial dam and water diversion project promoted by the Karnataka government across the Mhadei river.

"So finally @moefcc @PrakashJavdekar gets clean bowled before facing a single ball at @IFFIGoa. Its hit wicket for @DrPramodPSawant. So @INCGoa will remain away from todays match at Bambolim. But, @goacm should note that Game is not over yet. #MhadeiJagor will continue. @INCGoa," Goa Congress president Girish Chodankar tweeted.

Three Congress activists were arrested on November 20, midway through Javadekar's speech, with slogans slighting the Union Minister, who has been accused of favouring Karnataka in the ongoing interstate water dispute with Goa.

Earlier this week, the Congress in Goa had warned Javadekar of similar heckling during the closing ceremony, if he arrived in Goa to attend the same.

The Union Minister remained conspicuous by his absence on Thursday at the gala closing ceremony, despite the official invitation card for the event issued by his Ministry listing his presence at the closing ceremony.