Goa: Congress, BJP Candidates Vow to Legalise Bullfighting if Elected in Lok Sabha Polls 2019
The candidates from both BJP and Congress have started advocating the legalisation of bullfights ahead of Lok Sabha Elections 2019 in Goa.
Panaji, April 5: The Lok Sabha Elections 2019 is going to take place in Goa in the third phase for two constituencies – North Goa and South Goa – on April 23. Citing the end of filing nomination dates, the candidates from both ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress have started advocating the legalisation of bullfights on their agenda to garner maximum support from the electorates in the state.
In a motive to go beyond the ordinary to ensure winning margins from the Catholic community in the state – which constitutes significant 26% of the electorate – Congress candidate for South Goa, Francisco Sardinha, has vowed to take it up again if voted to power. Earlier too, while in office between 2009-2014, Sardinha had moved a resolution in Parliament for the legalisation of bullfighting in Goa. Goa Lok Sabha Elections 2019 Dates: Constituency-Wise Complete Schedule Of Voting And Results For General Elections.
Expressing his view, Sardinha said, as reported by Hindustan Times, “I’m in favour of bullfights. I’ll take it up again. When human beings fight (boxing), you see them… so if bulls are made to fight what is wrong in it?” Echoing similar views, BJP candidate for South Goa and sitting MP Narendra Sawaikar too pitched for the activity. He said, “Bullfighting is a traditional thing that has been going on in Goa. In the Jallikattu matter, the Union Government had supported the stand (of the state government). We will support it.”
It is to be known that despite the ban imposed by Bombay High Court on bullfighting in Goa – later upheld the Supreme Court – the sport continues sporadically. The bullfighting is practised in Goa’s Catholic-dominated villages and has roots in Goa’s colonial history.
Though legal experts are sceptical about the move, the aspects of attaining political mileage among the Catholic community in both the constituencies can’t be neglected. With a sizeable 11.31 lakh-strong electorate in both the constituencies – equally divided in two states – the move to woo the state’s voters is on the top priority of the political leaders.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 05, 2019 11:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).