Panaji, (IANS): Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday said the media was deriving pleasure in reporting controversial statements on the beef ban.
Parrikar also chided the media, claiming it was “itching” to ask him questions on the same issue over and over again.
He also ruled out action against senior Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader and BJP Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy, who last week made a controversial statements on the beef-eating culture in Goa.
“This issue has been raised time and again. The media seems to have very joyful enjoyment out of such statements,” Parrikar told the media at the State Secretariat here.
He was asked for a reaction to statements made by VHP Central Secretary Acharya Radhakrishna Manori and Swamy.
While Manori said that the VHP was in a position to impose a ban on beef consumption in Goa within two years, Swamy said that beef-eating habits in Goa needed to be altered.
Parrikar said their statements were permitted under the right to freedom of speech, but added that no one would be allowed to take law into their own hands.
“We believe in law; we will follow the law. I cannot do anything about anyone’s freedom of speech. As far as I am concerned, I am here to ensure that law is followed…,” he said.
He said if anyone takes law into their hands, they would be legally dealt with.
Last week, Town and Country Planning Minister Vijai Sardesai had demanded a ban on Manori from visiting Goa.
“The law will be followed — this is my 10th statement on the same issue. You must have written it 10 times, each times slightly distorting it. So be very clear — that (the) government is here to ensure that the law is followed. If anyone tries to take law in his hands… and this is the last time I am giving it (the statement),” Parrikar said.