Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The controversy over BJP leader Narendra Sawaikar’s “termites” remark continued on Tuesday, with the party refusing to issue an apology while Sawaikar insisted that his social media post had no political intent.
Defending Sawaikar, BJP leader Siddharth Kunkalienkar said the party stood by his remarks and saw no reason to apologise. He argued that the reference to “termites” and “cockroaches” should not be viewed as offensive and rejected criticism over the statement.
Kunkalienkar also raised questions about the behaviour of some participants at Sunday’s protest, alleging that a few youths smoked within the Goa Martyrs’ Memorial premises at Azad Maidan after the demonstration, which he claimed amounted to disrespect for the memorial.
Addressing the backlash, Sawaikar said his post was being misinterpreted for political reasons. According to him, the message was a general reference to pests such as cockroaches and termites in homes and was never aimed at any individual or group.
“If people choose to read politics into a simple post, that is their interpretation,” Sawaikar said, reiterating that he had only intended to speak about keeping homes free of pests.
The remarks have sparked a political controversy, with the Congress accusing Sawaikar of insulting Goa’s youth and demanding an apology. The BJP, however, has maintained its support for the former MP’s stand.
