September 18, 2026 03:17 am (IST)
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Goa Deputy CM apologizes for calling India a 'Hindu country'
Panaji, July 28 (IBNS): Goa's Deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza on Monday apologized for calling India a 'Hindu nation'.
"When I say Hindu, it means culture and not religion. I have said that Hinduism is my culture not religion then where did the question of religion come from? Hindu culture is 5000 years old and my religion is 2000 years old. Hinduism is my culture and Christianity is my religion," D'Souza said.
"My opinion could be wrong for others. I accept it. I don't say it is the most correct opinion. You might say I am wrong. If anyone's sentiment is hurt, I apologise," he said.
On Friday, D'Souza sparked a controversy by saying, "India is a Hindu nation, it's Hindustan, all Indians in Hindustan are Hindu. I am a Christain Hindu, so there is no question of making it a Hindu nation. It is already a Hindu nation."
This came Goa minister Deepak Dhavalikar on Thursday said, "I am confident that under the leadership of (Narendra) Modiji, India will develop into a Hindu nation. Prime Minister will work in this regard is what I feel."
He made the statement in the state Assembly on Thursday while speaking on a motion congratulating Modi on BJP's electoral victory.
Reacting to Dhavalikar's statement, the Congress party demanded a clarification from the Prime Minister and the Goa Chief Minister on the issue.
"This shows the hidden agenda of the BJP. CM must clarify if he agrees with Dhavalikar's comments. The PM who always tweets on every issue should react to the statement as well," Goa Congress spokesperson Durgadas Kamat told media.
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