Shiv Sena’s Goa Unit recently raised serious accusations of corruption concerning the upcoming Exposition of Sacred Relics of St. Francis Xavier, slated to be held at Old Goa. The party, led by Goa Unit Chief Jitesh Kamat, pointed fingers at inflated costs for temporary structures and materials used during the event preparations. Kamat highlighted exorbitant charges, such as Rs 3,105 per square meter for coconut leaves and Rs 10,695 per square meter for bamboo mat windows—materials he claimed were available at significantly lower prices. He alleged that market prices had been manipulated and measurements altered to justify inflated expenses.

Kamat’s concerns go beyond just materials. He suggested that roughly 30% of the allocated funds—Rs 100 crore for roads and Rs 50 crore for buildings—would be siphoned off due to corrupt practices. The Shiv Sena leader further stated that after the event, false bills might be raised, enabling additional embezzlement under the guise of dismantling the temporary structures.

The allegations don’t stop at financial corruption. Kamat voiced that if Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was unaware of the irregularities within his own department, he should take counsel from others to address this issue. These claims have led to calls for an official investigation, with the Shiv Sena announcing plans to approach both the Archbishop’s House and the Raj Bhavan to demand a probe into the matter.

This isn’t the only controversy surrounding the Exposition. Former Goa RSS Chief Subhash Velingkar recently triggered public outrage by suggesting a DNA test for St. Francis Xavier’s relics. His comments were seen as divisive, with political leaders, including ex-Chief Minister Churchill Alemao, filing complaints against him for disrupting communal harmony. Despite the backlash, Velingkar defended his remarks as a historical reflection rather than a personal attack.

This dual controversy has put both Goa’s political and religious atmosphere on edge as the Exposition draws near, leaving citizens and political figures debating corruption and historical sensitivity.