‘Delhi, Rulers of India, Now Conquer Goa’: State govt directs developer to withdraw controversial advertisement

PANAJI: State govt on Thursday directed the House of Abhinandan Lodha to withdraw the controversial advertisement captioned ‘Delhi, Rulers of India, Now Conquer Goa’ with immediate effect. The home department warned of action in case the developer fails to withdraw the advertisement.

“I am directed to inform you that it has been brought to the notice of this department that The House of Abhinandan Lodha group has published the advertisement captioned ‘Delhi, Rulers of India, Now Conquer Goa’,” Manesh Kedar, under secretary (home department), said in a letter to the manager of the developer.

“The statement in the advertisement is highly objectionable and obnoxious and has hurt the sentiments of Goans. You are therefore directed to withdraw the above controversial advertisement immediately and report compliance, failing which, appropriate action will be initiated against you and your agency,” Kedar said.

In a note to the home department, the chief minister’s office (CMO) said that the advertisement is from ‘The House of Abhinandan Lodha’.

“450 years of Portuguese rule in Goa came to an end in just 36 hours, as Portugal surrendered the territory to the Indian armed forces in 1961. Such obnoxious claims of conquering Goa tend to hurt the sentiments of proud residents of Goa,” the CMO said.

The CMO told the home department to immediately warn and direct the developer to withdraw such controversial advertisements.

The advertisement issue was discussed during the monsoon session of the state assembly, which concluded last month. Chief minister Pramod Sawant had assured to look into the issue and pass necessary directions.

Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Valentine's day wishes, messages and quotes !