log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline MONDAY APRIL 20, 2026 GOA Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 12 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 302 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 3 2 Language war heats up, Konkani forces draw red line on Marathi Digambar prioritises construction of Comba railway over bridge GOA INFO Centralised UG admissions: 15,000 applications logged Boost growth and shine: Why your scalp needs a massage LOYALISTS WARN PARTIES, VOW TO DEFEND LINGUISTIC HERITAGE THE GOAN I NETWORK MARGAO Asserting that Konkani has been the sole official language and identity of Goa since 1987, and should remain so for years to come, a meeting held at the historic Lohia Maidan in Margao on Sunday unanimously resolved that the Konkani-speaking electorate of Goa will boycott any political party or entity that supports, assures in its manifesto, or publicly declares making Marathi the second official language of Goa. The Sunday meeting followed a gathering held at the same venue last week, addressed by Subhash Velingkar and others, to demand official status for Marathi. Addressing the meeting, historian Prajal Sakhardande categorically stated that Goa’s history shows that Konkani alone was the language of the original inhabitants, including the Gawdas, Velips, Kunbis, and fishing communities since ancient times. Stating that there is no need to amend the Official Language Act to include Marathi as an official language of Goa, >> pg 6 Easing Iran–US tensions, oil prices among factors set to drive D-Street 23 killed in TN firecracker factory blast VIRUDHUNAGAR: At least 23 people were charred to death and six others sustained grievous injuries following a massive explosion at a private firecracker manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu, police said on Sunday. The explosion occurred at the ‘’Vanaja’’ fireworks factory owned by one Muthumanickam, in Kattanarpatti near here. The place is located within the Vachakarapatti police station limits. According to police and fire rescue officials, four of the six injured are in critical condition. A section of the crowd at Lohia Maidan, Margao, opposing official status for Marathi.   Santosh Mirajkar Prajal said that if any change is required, it should be to recognise Konkani in both Devanagiri and Roman scripts as the official language of the State. He appealed to the Konkani Bhasha Mandal and the Goa Konkani Akademi to support the ongoing movement opposing Marathi as an official language of Goa. “Let the message be loud and clear that the people of Goa will foil any attempt to include Marathi as an official language of Goa,” he added. Noted singer Hema Sardesai slammed those trying to divide the people of Goa in the name of language and religion. She said that the same person who had insulted St Francis Xavier is now attempting to divide people along linguistic lines. “Why are you targeting minorities? You should know that the ancestors of these minorities were all Hindus. By targeting minorities, they are insulting Hindus, Christians, and Muslims,” she said, while making an impassioned plea to the people of Goa to remain vigilant and foil attempts to make Marathi an official language. The resolution adopted at the meeting stated that the Goa Official Language Act, 1987, was enacted following a historic and arduous struggle to recognise Konkani as the mother tongue and a unique identity of the Goan people. “Konkani is recognised as an independent literary language by the Sahitya Akademi Delimitation of wards to be population-based: Sawant MUM ON MUNICIPAL POLL DATES, PUSHES ONUS ON STATE ELECTION COMMISSION THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday said the ordinance cleared by his cabinet transferring the powers of conducting the entire process of local body elections to the State Election Commission contains a crucial provision: the basis for delimitation of wards will now shift from voter strength to population figures, even as uncertainty continues to hang over the schedule of the impending municipal polls. Interacting with the media, Sawant explained that the change brings Goa in line with practices followed in other States and is intended to ensure fairer representation. He said the ordinance proposes that the SEC is vested with full authority to decide on the number of wards, carry out the delimitation exercise, and announce the election schedule. “We have given all rights to the State Election Commis- 12 Tensions flare after remarks on St Xavier, FIR registered FOUNDER OF SANATAN MAHASANGH MAKES ‘OBJECTIONAL’ COMMENTS AT VASCO EVENT PANAJI oa Police on Sunday night registered an FIR against right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar over his alleged objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa, amid a political row. Superintendent of Police (South) Santosh Desai said that Khattar has been booked for hurting religious sentiments. “The future action would be initiated as per the law,” he said. A row erupted after a video of Khattar, the founder of Sanatan Mahasangh, addressing an event on Saturday evening in the presence of Swami Brahmeshanand, State Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho and BJP MLAs Sankulp Amonkar and Daji (Krishna) Salkar, went viral. A complaint was lodged against Khattar by Congress leader Peter D’Souza at Vasco police station. The relics of St Francis Xavier are preserved at the Basilica of Bom Jesus Church, G ON PAGE 2 Controversy erupts over remarks on St Francis Xavier at Vasco Organisers regret remarks, tender public apology Old Goa, which draws a large number of people from India and abroad. As the controversy gained traction with Congress leaders condemning Khattar, Sanatan Dharma Raksha Samiti distanced itself from his statement and apologised to Christians, citing their harmonious co-existence. Congress MLA Altone D’Costa has demanded Khattar’s immediate arrest, condemning the statement as hurtful to religious sentiments and capable of disturbing communal harmony in Goa. D’Costa said the Goa Police should immediately arrest Khattar for “insulting” Goencho Saib (Patron Saint of Goa) in the presence of Godinho and BJP MLAs. “His speech was a clear attempt to spread communal disharmony in Goa. Goencho Saib is a revered saint worshipped by people from all religions. Khattar should be arrested,” D’Costa said in a statement. He also demanded registration of a case against the organisers of the event, organised by Sanatan Dharma Raksha Samiti, Mormugao, to mark Bhagwan Parshuram Janmotsav. Congress leader Peter D’Souza alleged Khattar has purposely hurt the religious sentiments. “I have filed a case under relevant sections,” he said. Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao and GFP president Vijai Sardesai also demanded Khattar’s arrest. “I strongly condemn the malicious and deeply offensive remarks made by Khattar, who insulted Goencho Saib and hurt religious sentiments of Goemkars (Goans). I urge the Chief Minister to take immediate action and ensure his arrest,” Alemao said in a statement. THE GOAN I NETWORK that the decision rests entirely with the SEC. Political circles, meanwhile, are abuzz with speculation that elections to several municipal councils may be delayed beyond the Assembly polls. The buzz stems from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s internal difficulties in endorsing candidates for individual wards, with multiple claimants among supporters vying for nominations. A postponement could give the BJP breathing space to >Continued on P7 >Continued on P7 POLL DELAY BUZZ GAINS GROUND Punjab Kings beat Lucknow Super Giants by 54 runs Tragic Sunday: Two youngsters drown in Selaulim canal SANGUEM In a tragic incident that raised concerns over safety violations, two youths drowned in the Selaulim canal at Copromddi in Quepem on Sunday, According to reports, the youths had entered the canal for a bath and ventured into deep waters when the mishap occurred. While their identities have not yet been officially disclosed, preliminary information suggests they were residents of Margao. Clear signboards are installed at multiple points along the canal, prohibiting vehicle entry and warning against bathing or venturing into the waters. Despite these restrictions, the youths are believed to have accessed the restricted zone. Police sources said the area is regularly patrolled, as groups of youth often gather near the canal despite warnings. Notably, personnel had reportedly visited the site barely half an hour before the incident. During the panchanama, „„Speculation of possible delay in municipal council elections „„Linked to BJP’s internal candidate selection conflicts „„Multiple aspirants competing for ward tickets „„Delay may help BJP manage infighting before 2027 Assembly polls „„Oppn likely to oppose extension of councils under administrators sion to decide on these issues,” he said, adding that the SEC will follow procedures designed to reduce the scope for legal challenges once polls are declared. The ordinance, however, is yet to be promulgated as Governor Pushapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju is currently out of station. Until his return, likely on Tuesday, the uncertainty surrounding the municipal election schedule remains unresolved. Sawant himself declined to confirm whether the polls would be held before or after the Assembly elections due in early 2027, insisting and is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, affirming its status. Therefore, let us resolve to remain committed to protecting Goa’s unique linguistic heritage against any attempts to merge or dilute its identity,” the resolution stated. Convenor of the meeting, Vishal Nogueiro, said he had convened the gathering at Lohia Maidan as he could not accept the demand made at the same venue last week for official language status for Marathi. Stating that Goa belongs to all Goemkars, he said people attended the meeting as Konkani speakers, not as Hindus, Christians, or Muslims. Grandson of Jack de Sequeira, Jack Sukhija, said that Konkani alone is the official language of Goa and that Marathi is the official language of Maharashtra. He added that the people of Goa must ensure that the Act is not amended to accommodate Marathi. Noted tiatrist Wilson Mazarello, Konkani activist Kennedy Afonso, Pratima Coutinho, Fidol Pereira, and others also addressed the meeting. 9 SPORTS CROWNING GLORY: Sadhvi Satish Sail, along with the first and second runners-up, after being crowned Miss India World 2026 in Bhubaneswar. Goan lass Sadhvi clinches Miss India World crown THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Goa’s own Sadhvi Satish Sail has claimed the crown of Miss India World 2026, dazzling her way to the top at the 61st Femina Miss India finale held at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology in Bhubaneswar. Rajnandini Pawar of Maharashtra secured the first runner-up spot, while Dr Sree Advaita from Jammu and Kashmir was named second runner-up, completing a formidable trio of finalists. The grand finale, themed “Daughters of This Soil,” saw contestants from across the country compete, with Sadhvi emerging on top after a night of performances, interviews, and final rounds. A model and entrepreneur from Goa, Sadhvi has walked multiple fashion shows and featured in campaigns. Reacting to her win, Sadhvi described the moment as surreal, saying, “every contestant here is a winner. This experience has been about growth, friendship, and shared achievement”. As Miss India World 2026, she will represent India at the Miss World 2027. India’s LPG usage dips sharply due Lairai celebrations ignite devotional wave in Sattari to West Asia-linked supply crunch OFFICIAL DATA SHOWS DEMAND DROPS 13% IN MARCH PTI NEW DELHI India’s cooking gas LPG consumption fell by a steep 13 per cent in March as supply disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict hit availability for both household kitchens and commercial users, according to latest official data. LPG consumption was at 2.379 million tonne in March, 12.8 per cent lower than 2.729 million tonne consumed in the same period last year. India imports about 60 per cent of its LPG requirements, much of it via the Strait of Hormuz, which was effectively shut following US and Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliation. With supplies from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates disrupted, the government has cut the supply of LPG to commercial establishments like hotels, and industries to safeguard the availability household cooking gas. According to the oil ministry’s Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC), LPG cylinder sold to domestic house- holds fell 8.1 per cent in March to 2.219 million tonne while those sold to non-domestic users was down almost 48 per cent. Bulk LPG sales were down by a massive 75.5 per cent. The PPAC data showed lower consumption when compared to government claims of LPG supplies being normal and all demand from domestic users being met. To offset the shortfall, the government directed refineries to divert feedstock from petrochemical production to boost LPG output. UDAY SAWANT THE GOAN I VALPOI is essential for the success of the event. T he festive spirit surrounding Goa’s revered deity, Shiroda’s famous Goddess Lairai, has begun to resonate across Sattari taluka. The enthusiasm has reached its peak, with more than 3,000 dhonds currently observing strict religious vows. These devotees are residing across more than 40 camps (talas) in the taluka, where they engage daily in prayers, chanting, and disciplined adherence to traditional guidelines. CM’s special focus The grand Lairai zatra is scheduled to be celebrated on April 21. Following certain Faith and tradition SPIRITUAL FERVOUR: Devotees take part in the Homkund ritual at Shirgao on Sunday.  Narayan Pissurlenkar shortcomings during last year’s festival, all departments of the Goa government have adopted a more vigilant approach this year. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant is personally overseeing the preparations to ensure that the festival is conducted smoothly, safely, and with devotion. Authorities have implemented comprehensive planning, emphasizing that cooperation from both devotees and officials Although Sattari is primarily known as an agrarian region, it holds a deeply sacred place in terms of religious heritage. Almost every village in the taluka is home to temples regarded as spiritually active (jagrut). The region continues to uphold its rich cultural and traditional legacy through various religious activities. The ongoing dhond vow is a vivid reflection of this tradition. From early morning until night, devotees strictly follow rituals in a disciplined and traditional manner, maintaining a deep spiritual connection throughout the observance period. Improved facilities In earlier times, dhonds would observe their vows along riverbanks or under trees. However, this scenario has significantly evolved. With support from the government, panchayats, and local representatives, nearly 80% of the camps now have well-constructed halls. Facilities such as bathing ponds and proper accommodation have been developed, ensuring better living conditions for the devotees. Beyond religious practices, many camps are actively involved in social initiatives. Activities such as financial assistance to needy families, >Continued on P7