President of the Shiv Sena's Goa unit, Shivprasad Joshi on Sunday (June 11) said many people from the neighbouring state of Karnataka don't even know how to sing the National Anthem, a remark thet might trigger political controversy, say reports.
"People in Goa are patriots. I know many students who can sing complete Vande Mataram unlike Karnataka where many people do not even know how to sing the National Anthem and they also do not know our national fathers," said Joshi.
Karnataka and Goa have been engaged in a dispute when it comes to sharing of Mahadayi and Mandovi rivers' water.
Further, he praised Pramod Muthalik, who has been prohibited from entering Goa, saying that the latter has done a commendable job in Karnataka and he is a protector of women.
"When Sri Ram Sene workers went to the Mangalore pub (in 2009) to make our sisters understand that it is not fair to indulge in pub culture, parents of a girl who was alleged to have been assaulted by the Sene workers, thanked Muthalik. The parents said Muthalik was doing the right job of protecting women," the Sena leader said, adding the the Sena did not demand on banning the "pub culture", but it is only against the "late night affairs outside these places."
"You visit a pub in the night at 12 and you find girls and boys sitting outside and drinking. Is this fair? We don't mind what tourists do here, but when it comes to local boys and girls, it is our duty to educate them," Joshi said, adding that the Sena would support the Sri Ram Sene if they intend good work for Goa.
"Even any Muslim organisation wants to come to Goa and do some good work, we will back them," he said.
