Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, May 5: A political controversy has erupted in Goa just a day after a tragic stampede at the Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao claimed six lives. South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes' visit to the temple on Sunday has drawn sharp criticism from the BJP, especially over what they described as a ‘felicitation’ extended to him by the temple committee during a time of mourning.

Fernandes was seen interacting with committee members who offered him a shawl, which BJP leaders interpreted as a formal honor. BJP spokesperson Giriraj Pai Vernekar took to social media platform X to slam the Congress MP, accusing him of insensitivity and hypocrisy.

“While Goa mourns the loss of innocent lives, Viriato Fernandes gets himself felicitated by the same committee Congress leaders blamed just a day ago. For what achievement? This is the kind of hypocrisy that defines the Congress,” Vernekar wrote.

The BJP's reaction comes after Congress leader and Goa in-charge Manikrao Thakare had earlier criticized the temple management for the lack of crowd control that allegedly led to the fatal stampede.

Fernandes, meanwhile, has not issued a direct response to the BJP’s criticism. However, speaking to the media on Sunday, he clarified the nature of his visit, stating that it was purely personal and spiritual.

“I went there to pray, as I do every year. Though I represent South Goa, I was born in Assonora, near Shirgao, and have a deep personal connection to the place,” said Fernandes. He also mentioned that he had visited the injured victims at Goa Medical College and provided suggestions to the temple committee to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Additionally, Fernandes urged the state government to reconsider the compensation for the victims’ families, suggesting that the current ?10 lakh ex-gratia might not be sufficient given the gravity of the tragedy.

The incident has added a political layer to an already somber situation, with both parties accusing each other of playing politics over a tragedy that has deeply affected the state.