BJP is terrorising voters: Ex-Goa RSS chief

Former Goa RSS Chief Subhash Velingkar Saturday alleged that the ruling BJP has created "terror" amongst voters in the state, which he said existed even when late Manohar Parrikar was the chief minister.

Velingkar, who is the mentor of Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM), said there was "jabardast dahashat" (terrible terror) under Parrikar-led regime.

The GSM has fielded candidates in the bypolls to Shiroda and Mandrem assembly constituencies, which will be held along with Lok Sabha elections in Goa on April 23.

"The BJP has created terror amongst the voters in Goa. The leaders from that party are publicly threatening voters with a warning that they would be dealt with, if they don't vote for the party," he alleged in a press conference.

Velingkar, once a strong supporter of Parrikar, was sacked by the Sangh in 2016 after he had taken a strident stance against the ruling BJP over the issue of medium of instruction.

"It is not the case that there was no terror under Parrikar regime. There was terrible terror under his regime and that continues even after his death," said Velingkar.

Parrikar died on March 17 this year after losing a year-long battle with cancer.

Velingkar also alleged that money was being distributed in Goa to lure voters by national parties.

Goa, which has 40 assembly segments, sends two MPs to Lok Sabha.

When contacted, BJP Goa unit president Vinay Tendulkar said Velingkar is a "non-factor" in current elections.

"We would not like to comment on him as we don't consider him as a major factor," he added.