On October 11, a CJP rally in Panaji’s Azad Maidan turned violent when a group of 300 demonstrators shouted ‘Hindutva Murdabad’, a slogan that Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant declared ‘anti‑Hindutva’.
The protest, held to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, also featured seven arrests near Azad Maidan.
Sawant, after seeing a viral video, ordered a police investigation and said the state would file criminal charges against those who spread communal discord.
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Tanavade criticised the protestors, arguing the slogans had nothing to do with the SIR issue and urged them to stay focused on electoral integrity.
The CJP’s Goa unit denied endorsing any offensive slogans, releasing a statement that it respects all religions and that the gathering aimed solely at demanding transparency from the Election Commission.
Police have registered an FIR under Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code, and the investigation will determine whether the protestors face charges that could carry up to five years in prison.