Facing all-round flak, Goa PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar today withdrew his controversial comment demanding a ban on wearing bikinis on the state's beaches, hours after the Chief Minister ruled out prohibiting the outfit on shores where tourists flock in large numbers.
Dhavalikar, whose Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party is an ally of ruling BJP, said he did not intend to hurt anyone's sentiment and the comment was made purely in the interest of safety of women on Goa's beaches.
"I never wanted to hurt anyone's sentiments. What I said was purely in the interest of safety of women on beaches. If someone is hurt, then I withdraw my statement," he told PTI this evening.
Dhavalikar had earlier drawn flak for his remarks that young girls going to pub in short dresses was against Goan culture.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar ruled out banning wearing of the swimwear on beaches.
"Goa government does not favour banning bikinis on beaches. But it should not create indecency," Parrikar told reporters while responding to queries about Dhavalikar's comment.
"I have high regards for women. Whatever I said was not defamatory. I expressed what I felt," asserted Dhavalikar who had yesterday said he feared molestation of women wearing bikinis on the seaside.
"I don't think there is any problem in Goa. In current scenario, unless it affects public or creates problems there is no reason to interfere and ban bikinis," Parrikar said.
