The Cockroach Janta Party's Goa unit on Thursday said it did not support any statement, slogan or action that hurt or disrespected religious beliefs or sentiments, following criticism over an anti-Hindutva slogan raised at its protest in Panaji, news agency Press Trust of India reported.
The statement came after Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant warned of stern legal action against those who shouted "Hinduvad Murdabad" during the party's October 11 protest.
A video shared on social media showed a group of young girls raising the slogan at the protest, which was held to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
"We would also like to make our position absolutely clear. CJP respects all religions, castes and communities. We do not endorse or support any statements, slogans or actions that hurt or disrespect anyone's religious beliefs or sentiments," the CJP's Goa unit said in a statement posted on Instagram, according to PTI.
The party said the October 11 gathering was intended solely to demand Kumar's resignation and raise public awareness about electoral integrity and the revision process.
"Our objective is clear and unwavering: to restore public trust in the Election Commission and uphold the integrity, transparency, and fairness of the electoral process. Our concerns are institutional and democratic, not religious or communal," it said.
The CJP appealed to citizens not to associate its campaign for electoral accountability with statements or slogans that "go against our principles". It added: "CJP Goa remains committed to constitutional values, democratic accountability, and electoral integrity."
Referring to the video, Sawant on Wednesday claimed that attempts were being made to create communal discord. "I have seen the social media post (video of the event). I have asked them (police) to conduct an investigation. The required legal action would be taken against them (CJP members)," he said, as reported by PTI.
The CJP maintained that its protest focused on electoral accountability and distanced itself from slogans that could hurt religious sentiments, while the chief minister said police would investigate the incident and take the required legal action.
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