As ex-RSS chief of Goa calls for 'DNA test' of St Francis Xavier's relics, Rahul Gandhi accuses BJP of stoking communal tension

NEW DELHI: As former RSS chief of Goa, Subhash Velingkar's recent call for a "DNA test" of the relics of St Francis Xavier and some Sangh Parivar outfits' pitch for an economic boycott of Muslims snowballed into a major row, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the ruling party of stoking communal tension to attack the harmony of Goa.

"Goa's appeal lies in its natural beauty and warmth and hospitality of its diverse and harmonious people. Unfortunately, under BJP rule, this harmony is under attack. The BJP is deliberately stoking communal tensions, with a former RSS leader provoking Christians and Sangh organisations calling for an economic boycott of Muslims. Across India, similar actions by the Sangh Parivar continue with impunity, backed by support from the highest levels," Gandhi posted on X.

Accusing the ruling party of pursuing a political plot in Goa, Gandhi said such attempts will not go unchallenged. "In Goa, the BJP's strategy is clear: divide the people while exploiting ecologically sensitive areas by illegally converting green land and bypassing environmental regulations - an assault on Goa's natural and social heritage. BJP's attempts will not go unchallenged. The people of Goa and the whole of India see through this divisive agenda and are standing united".