“Local MLA Mohan Konkani is actively encouraging these activities,” Vasava told ET adding that Gid Madi Dungar, a hillock in Songadh Block, that has long been a holy shrine for the animistic tribes, is now out of bounds for the aboriginals. A video of Konkani addressing a religious gathering has gone viral in social media where he asks the attendees to bring in more people.
“A concrete road has come up along with a church on the hillock dedicated to Mother Mary and we are no longer even allowed to visit our shrine and make offerings,” Vasava said, adding representations have been made to the state government without any result.
Vasava and his outfit have been staging protests against conversion and seeking protection of the tribal identity in the area.
When contacted, Konkani refused to talk about the issue over the telephone. Earlier, he had denied the allegations made by Morari Bapu. BJP media cell coordinator Yagnesh Dave declined to comment.
VHP joint secretary, Sharm Prasad Vibhag, Dharmendra Bhavani said: “BJP should have kept candidates like Konkani on a leash after giving them tickets for the assembly election.”
