Goa Film Festival runs into controversy for being 'anti-minority'

The upcoming Goa State Film Festival has run into controversy with Opposition parties terming the BJP-led government as 'anti-minority' for holding it in the 'Holy Week'.

The festival which will showcase 27 films made by Goan producers is scheduled to be held from April 3-5. It would be inaugurated on April 2 by Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar. The festival is being held after a gap of six years.

State-run Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) is hosting the event. "The Goa State Film Festival starts from this Holy Week and on a Good Friday. Isn't it insult to Christians? Government needs to note their sentiments," tweeted Independent MLA Rohan Khaunte. While the Congress party dubbed the move as a deliberate attempt to upset minorities. "This is deliberately done by ESG Chairman (Damodar Naik). He should remember that minorities are also part of film festivals," said Goa Congress spokesman Durgadas Kamat.

"BJP should stop playing anti-minority card," he said. The Congress in the past had protested against Narendra Modi government's move to declare Christmas as "Good Governance Day" forcing the government servants to work on that day. However, ESG's Chief Executive Officer Rajendra Satardekar rubbished the allegations.

He said the inauguration is scheduled on April 2, which is not the part of the Holy week. "The dates were decided much in advance. There was a delay in holding the film festival as we were waiting for the administrative approvals," he added.