Congress objects to Sardesai 'likening Parrikar to Christ'

The Congress on Friday took exception to Town and Country Planning Minister Vijai Sardesai quoting Bible to praise Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.

Sardesai compared Parrikar to Jesus Christ which was an insult to the Christian community in Goa, the party said.

Speaking on a motion in the state Assembly Thursday to congratulate the ailing Parrikar for construction of a third bridge on the river Mandovi, Sardesai had said that like Jesus Christ, Parrikar built bridges.

"In the Bible there is a saying that man should build bridges, not walls. Jesus built bridges, not walls....Manohar Parrikar also built bridges.

"We were also on the other side (in anti-BJP camp). We came to this (BJP's) side because of the bridges he built," said Sardesai, who heads the Goa Forward Party, now a BJP ally.

State Congress spokesperson Rohit Bras De Sa alleged Friday that by "likening Manohar Parrikar with Jesus Christ", Sardesai had insulted the Christian community.

In 2017 Assembly elections, Sardesai had called Parrikar "dictator", De Sa pointed out.

"Same person today has likened him to Jesus Christ. What is the reason for this?" the Congress leader asked.

He claimed that Sardesai was showering praise on Parrikar either because he wanted more portfolios or he fears that Parrikar might dissolve the Assembly, and Sardesai does not want to face the electorate.

Sardesai could not be contacted for comments.