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BJP government won't ban Muthalik in Goa: Mesquita

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Press Trust of India Panaji
The BJP ruled out the possibility of the Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar-led government banning the controversial Sri Ram Sene in the state, claiming that the Indian Constitution does not stop anyone from conducting lawful activities anywhere in the country.

"We will not ban Sri Ram Sene from entering the state. We can't ban it unless, the organisation is found to be involved in activities against the law," BJP's Goa spokesman Wilfred Mesquita told reporters here today, adding that as per the Indian Constitution, no Indian can be banned from moving around in the country, he said.

"What is important is that we should ban their activities if they are involved in illegalities," Mesquita said, denying that the BJP-led Goa state government intends to stop the Sene's plans to begin working in Goa from September.
 

Incidentally, Sri Ram Sene chief Pramod Muthalik has announced the launch of his outfit in Goa to counter what he calls "pub, drugs and sex culture" in the state.

He had claimed that his activities would be peaceful, unlike the 2009 Mangalore pub attacks.

Interestingly, the BJP spokesman said that his party totally agreed with Sri Ram Sene chief Muthalik's ideology.

"No individual and no society will accept drugs, alcohol and prostitution. Whatever he (Muthalik) says is a universal truth, but the problem is his modus operandi," Mesquita said, adding that the BJP would not oppose Muthalik if he does not get involved in moral policing.

The BJP leader refused to comment on Muthalik's views against pub culture.

"It all depends on what is happening inside pubs. I have never been to pubs," Mesquita said.

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First Published: Jun 27 2014 | 5:58 PM IST

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