How can Goa host carnivals while India worries about Abhinandan's safety: Congress

The Goa Congress on Thursday questioned the BJP-led coalition government's decision to host festive events amid the increasing hostilities between India and Pakistan and the capture of Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman.

Addressing a press conference here, state Congress President Girish Chodankar urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders to tone down political events and accused them of trying to "encash" political mileage from the increasing tensions between India and Pakistan.

"Why is the Goa government and our Chief Minister, who was the former Defence Minister, granting permission for merry events like the carnival, wine festivals and electronic dance music events at a time when the country is facing a crisis and our nation is worried about the safety of our pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan, who is in Pakistan's custody," Chodankar told reporters.

Goa is due to host its annual carnival and a wine festival this week. The state hosted a popular EDM event 'Sunburn Klassique' last week.

Accusing Karnataka BJP leader B.S. Yeddyurappa of trying to politically milk the military strikes at Balakot, in which a terror camp was destroyed, Chodankar said: "Yeddyurappa is now saying that the BJP will get more seats because of the Balakot strikes? Is it right to take political advantage of such a situation?" Chodankar asked.

--IANS

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