from Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (GA)

Panaji, Nov 21: Chief minister Digamber Kamat has refused to comment on the spurt in idol desecration reported in the state.

"I don't want to comment on the issue," Kamat told media persons during a press conference on Thursday November 20 when he was questioned on increasing idol desecration.

The chief minister was briefing press after releasing the party manifesto for the ensuing Pale assembly by-election in presence of Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Subhash Shirodkar.

The Congress party has faced humiliation with the idol desecration incidents increasing in the state. In the recent incident, a temple at the outskirt of Panaji was desecrated giving enough political mileage to the BJP, which has questioned the credibility of Digamber Kamat-led government.

Congress' youth wing – Goa Pradesh Youth Congress committee (GPYCC) – on Wednesday had said that such a desecration would help BJP as it may amount to polarization of Hindu votes.

"We appeal the chief minister to provide protection to the temples first as the incidents may increase with the run up for Pale election," GPYCC Goa chief Sankulp Amonkar had said during a press conference on Wednesday.

Goa chief minister, however, refused to react to the demand. He even refused to comment on the issue stating that the issue is not linked to Pale by election.

Pale constituency seat has fallen vacant after death of sitting Congress legislator Gurudas Gawas. The elections are slated for November 26.

The Congress party in its manifesto released on Thursday November 20 has given thrust on the road infrastructure and water in this constituency, which covers a major mining belt.

"We will also provide employment to the youth here," Goa Pradesh Congress committee president Subhash Shirodkar said.

The Congress is banking on the sympathy wave for its party candidate Pratap Gawas to wade through.