Goa min Vijai Sardesai says we need tourists who keep the state clean

MARGAO: Town and Country Planning (TCP) Minister

Vijai Sardesai

on Sunday continued to be unapologetic about his remarks terming ‘some domestic tourists as the scum of the earth.’


“Everyone is welcome to Goa. I also believe in 'Atithi Devo Bhava'. I do not wish to make any discrimination between people from north or south India. We are creating a clean, green and smart Goa. It is said that cleanliness is next to Godliness. So if those coming to Goa maintain cleanliness, they are most welcome. We need tourists who keep Goa clean and green. It is a small section that is creating a nuisance,” said Sardesai to the media after flagging off the

Carnival float parade

in Margao on Sunday evening.

Sardesai said, “Carnival is a state festival and part of the Goan culture. Carnival is also celebrated in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil but in Asia, it is only celebrated in Goa in India. Carnival in Goa attracts tourists from all over the world to witness this event. However, we cannot forget our roots with the

Mull Goenkar

(first Goan inhabitant) celebrating Intruz that is still very vibrant in Salcete taluka. This will always be our focus keeping with our

Goa Forward Party

’s political ideology of taking Goa Forward and Goem, Goemkar and Goemkarponn.”