from Daijiworld's special correspondent

Panaji, Mar 23: Strong objections by Hindu organizations to the exhibition float depicting mythological characters in anti-AIDS campaign have forced the state government to recall the senior officer attached to state government funded Goa State Aids control society (GSACS).

The GSACS's float participating in the ongoing Shigmo festival float parades across the state had stirred hornet's nest with Hindu organizations including Hindu Janajagruti Samiti objecting to it.

"We will recall the officer attached with GSACS as I am aware about the problem. With the issues like M F Hussain's painting and Prophet Mohammad figuring at national level, the officer should have been cautious," health minister Dayanand Narvekar said speaking during the ensuing legislative assembly session.

The issue was raised on the floor of the house by leader of opposition Manohar Parrikar who objected to the slogan on the float in Marathi reading "mee ahe durga, mee ahe kaali, mazyat ahe shakti AIDS rokhnyachi (I am Durga, I am Kaali, I have strength to stop AIDS)."

The float was withdrawn from a parade in Bicholim and Mapusa towns when few people objected to it. "Why to involve Gods and Godesses for such a float," Parrikar questioned.

As the assembly is in session, Hindu organizations have flooded offices of leader of opposition and health minister condemning the float.