*Viral audio clip sparks political storm; Vijai Sardesai, Congress demand immediate arrest and police protection
Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Just days after social activist Rama Kankonkar was assaulted in Panaji, another activist, Swapnesh Sherlekar, has alleged receiving a threat call from BJP leader Mahanand Asnodkar.
An audio clip of Asnodkar purportedly warning Sherlekar has gone viral, intensifying political tensions in the State.
Sherlekar, who recently courted controversy with a video urging the government to support the proposed Tiger Reserve in Goa, claimed Asnodkar threatened him over the remarks.
The activist has filed a police complaint at Porvorim Police Station, refusing to apologise and stating, “My intention was only to convey to the government that if they respect the Tiger as the vahan of Goddess, they should support the Tiger Reserve proposal.”
BJP leader Asnodkar admitted to calling Sherlekar, stating that he was personally offended by the video which, he alleged, insulted Hindu sentiments.
Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai hit out at the ruling party, saying, “The one who threatened Swapnesh Sherlekar is not a normal worker, he is their prominent BJP leader. After Rama Kankonkar, there is a possibility that Swapnesh may be attacked. I demand the immediate arrest of Mahanand Asnodkar.”
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao also demanded urgent police action to ensure Sherlekar’s safety, while Goa Congress President Amit Patkar launched a scathing attack on the ruling party.
“After the attack on Rama Kankonkar, now Swapnesh Sherlekar gets a threatening call from BJP’s Mahanand Asnodkar. We strongly condemn this goondaism. Goans are being targeted only because they are protecting Goa’s land from destruction,” said Patkar
He also said that the BJP is rattled as their land destruction scams are getting exposed. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and BJP state president Damu Naik are directly responsible for encouraging such acts.
*We demand strict action now,” Patkar said.
The controversy comes close on the heels of the Rama Kankonkar assault case, where eight accused were recently remanded to judicial custody. The fresh incident has reignited concerns over the safety of activists and the growing intolerance towards dissent in Goa.
