Navhind Times Margao, June 3: South Goa Congress MP Churchill Alemao has severely criticized the release of the controversial movie ‘The Da Vinci Code’ in the state by the Inox Leisure Ltd through its multiplex in Panaji.
Alemao told ‘The Navhind Times’ that he was calling upon all Goans to take note of the happenings and act accordingly. He maintained that he was against the release of the movie in Goa. “Jesus Christ is God not only for Christians, but is also revered by many other communities,” the MP stated. He added that he called up chief minister Pratapsingh Rane upon learning of the film’s release and expressed his disappointment. “Mr Rane told me that he did not grant permission for the release of the film and also that he did not approve of it,” Alemao claimed. He opined that Inox would soon know the consequences of releasing the movie in the state against the wishes of the people. The MP reminded that he had taken up the issue with the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, in a letter stating that the ‘The Da Vinci Code’ was bound to inflame passions and cause discord among the people. He claimed several people cutting across religious lines had complained to him against the movie. Alemao also said that he had forwarded copies of the letter to party chief Sonia Gandhi and Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunshi. Alemao noted that the state governments of Punjab and Nagaland had banned the sale of the novel and screening of the film based on it, saying that the content was blasphemous. “The movie is blasphemous. It has portrayed Christ and the Christian faith in a highly objectionable manner,” Alemao added. Alemao warned the management of Inox that by Saturday if they fail to stop the screening of the film he would create a law and order situation on Sunday. Meanwhile, the South Goa Zilla Panchayat in its monthly meeting held on Friday passed a resolution opposing the release of the movie, ‘The Da Vinci Code’. The resolution proposed by Nelly Rodrigues was unanimously passed. Forwarded by Edward _____________________________________________ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
