Controversial BJP legislator attends Goa Assembly session in 'dhoti'

Writer-turned-legislator Vishnu Wagh on Tuesday attended the first day of Goa Legislative Assembly session in a 'dhoti', claiming "he is proud of his culture." Wagh, a BJP MLA, had earlier announced that he would attend the session wearing a 'dhoti', after state minister Sudin Dhavalikar demanded ban on bikinis on the beaches claiming it was against the Indian culture. The BJP legislator had dared Dhavalikar to wear dhoti in his day-to-day life, if he was really concerned about the culture.

Wagh arrived for the session on Tuesday in a white dhoti, silk blue kurta and teamed it up with a silver scarf. "I am proud of my culture. I have a variety of dhotis which I would be wearing for the session," Wagh said, adding that "he doesn't shy away from accepting what is the real culture." "Those who preach about the culture don't dare to practice what they preach," he said without naming Dhavalikar.

Dhavalikar's remarks against pubs and demanding ban on the bikinis had evoked national debate. The minister had later withdrawn his statement claiming that he just meant to honour dignity of women. Later, state Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had ruled out banning wearing of bikinis on the state's beaches.PTI RPS GK HKS