Sudin Dhavalikar backs Dipak on 'Hindu state under Narendra Modi' remark

PANAJI: Controversial Goa minister Sudin Dhavalikar today came out in support of his colleague and Cooperation minister Dipak Dhavalikar, who had said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will develop India into a Hindu nation.

"What he said was his personal opinion but I also agree with what he says. By mentioning Hindu he was not referring to any religion but people living in India. Don't you want India to be developed country ? Don't you want people in this country to be virtuous ?" Sudin, who is also brother of Dipak, said.

While speaking in Goa assembly on a motion congratulating Modi on BJP's electoral victory, Dipak on Thursday had said,"I am confident that under the leadership of Modi, India will develop into a Hindu nation. Prime Minister will work in this regard is what I feel."

Both Dhavalikar brothers - Sudin and Dipak - belonging to Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, an ally of BJP, are ministers in the Manohar Parrikar government.

Earlier this month, Sudin who is state's transport minister, had kicked up a row when he said that wearing bikinis should be banned on Goa's beaches. He had, however, withdrawn his comments after it provoked outrage.