BBSM sets October 2 deadline on MoI issue; warns to intensify

Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch, a forum demanding regional languages as Medium of Instruction in Goa, has given a deadline of October 2 to the state government to revert its stand or face a bigger agitation on the issue.

"We are setting a deadline of October 2 for the government to rectify its mistake. After it, we will be forced to intensify the agitation," BBSM leader Subhash Velingkar, who is also Goa RSS chief told a large gathering at Shiroda village yesterday.

The BBSM has been organising public meeting against BJP-led government's decision to give grants to schools in English medium.

The apolitical forum is demanding that regional languages should be announced as the MoI.

Velingkar said the BBSM, which has leaders from all the political set up, can be "a good political opposition for BJP."

"If they don't withdraw the grants, they are responsible for the consequence and not us. For us it is the war of principles, not political or personal. Don't take us for granted. We will be a good political opposition," he said addressing the well attended gathering in Shiroda constituency which is represented by BJP in the Goa Legislative Assembly.

Taking an apparent dig at Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar who was also former chief minister of Goa, Velingkar called him a "bluff-master" without taking his name.

"He is a professional bluffer... Prior to election the BJP leader stood by BBSM and assured to implement MOI in regional language and withdrawing grant to English schools. It was our mistake to trust him, we got bluffed," Velingkar said.

Velingkar said that BJP leaders in Goa have been giving false information to centre.

"Our (BBSM) member have already mailed exact situation in Goa - and we think the central leadership (of BJP) is with us," he commented.