Goa BJP, Congress leaders clash ahead of Parrikar's b'day bash

Ahead of public celebration of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's 61st birthday in the coastal constituency of Calangute in North Goa, a local BJP legislator and a Congress leader scuffled, both suffering minor injuries.

Speaking to reporters, BJP legislator Michael Lobo, who is in charge of hosting the birthday celebration and a BJP rally on Tuesday evening, said that the scuffle started over putting up banners, posters, buntings and party flags ahead of Parrikar's birthday celebration and the party event.

The twin events are scheduled to be held in Parra village in Calangute -- Parrikar's ancestral village.

"Tomorrow, the Raksha Mantri is coming to Calangute for a public meeting. We were doing necessary arrangements near St Alex Church," Lobo said.

Lobo said the Congresss leader and Calangute Deputy Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira attacked him when he and his workers were overseeing the setting up of banners and posters.

Both politicians were later sent for medical examination by the state police.

Sequeira in his FIR filed at the Calangute police station claimed he was beaten up by Lobo and that he and his supporters were attacked by the BJP legislator and 50 others.

The FIR against Lobo has been filed under Sections 143, 147, 353, 323, 504, 506(ii) and 427 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

--IANS

maya/nir/vt