The exposition of relics of St Francis Xavier at Old Goa was witnessed by around 38 lakh pilgrims and the 44-day-long event passed off peacefully for which BJP government earned praise from the Christian community, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said today.
"During the exposition, a total of 38 lakh pilgrims venerated the relics, while 56 lakh people visited the Old Goa complex," he told reporters here.
"There was not a single incident of theft or robbery during the exposition. A total of 16 people went missing but they were immediately found and reunited with their family members," the Chief Minister said.
Parsekar said the Opposition parties dub BJP as being "anti-minority" but the ruling party has been successful in hosting one of the most important events on Catholic calendar.
The exposition was held from November 22, 2014 to January 4, 2015.
"The Government has earned appreciation from the Christian community leaders. I have heard Archbishop (of Goa) praising the government at least three times for hosting the event without any disruptions," Parsekar said.
Despite this "some people (Opposition parties) are only interested in creating a communal divide," the Chief Minister said.
