Last week, the state government ordered a leading developer to withdraw an advertisement titled "Delhi, Rulers of India, Now Conquer Goa" following strong public backlash. The Home Department deemed the ad "objectionable and obnoxious" and instructed its immediate retraction, warning of legal consequences if ignored. The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) also condemned the ad, referencing Goa's liberation from Portuguese rule in 1961 and expressing concern over the ad's offensive tone. The issue, raised during the state assembly's monsoon session, underscores the government's swift action to protect public sentiment and respect Goa's historical legacy.
Last week, the state government directed a leading Mumbai based developer to withdraw an advertisement deemed controversial, titled "Delhi, Rulers of India, Now Conquer Goa," with immediate effect. The home department issued a clear warning, cautioning the developer that failure to retract the advertisement would result in appropriate legal action.
The directive was communicated through a letter addressed to the developer's manager by Manesh Kedar, the undersecretary of the Home Department. In the letter, Kedar conveyed that the department had been made aware of an advertisement released by The House of Abhinandan Lodha group, which was captioned "Delhi, Rulers of India, Now Conquer Goa." He noted that the language used in the advertisement was deemed "highly objectionable and obnoxious," causing offence to the people of Goa. The letter instructed the developer to immediately withdraw the controversial advertisement and report compliance, warning that failure to do so would result in appropriate action against the developer and their agency.
In response to the advertisement, the chief minister's office (CMO) issued a note to the Home Department, verifying that the contentious advertisement was indeed from The House of Abhinandan Lodha. The CMO expressed strong disapproval of the ad's message, highlighting Goa's historical context by stating that the 450 years of Portuguese rule in Goa ended in just 36 hours when Portugal surrendered the territory to the Indian armed forces in 1961. The CMO emphasised that such claims of conquering Goa were likely to hurt the sentiments of its proud residents. The CMO also urged the home department to take immediate action, warning the developer to retract the advertisement to avoid further controversy. The CMO's firm stance highlights the deep sensitivity surrounding Goa's history and the potential for such advertising to provoke strong negative reactions from the public.
The issue of the advertisement was previously raised during the state assembly's monsoon session, which concluded last month. During that session, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had assured the assembly that the matter would be thoroughly investigated and necessary directives would be issued. The chief minister's involvement underscores the seriousness of the situation, and his assurances suggest that the government is intent on addressing any potential harm caused by the advertisement. This incident illustrates how commercial advertising, especially when involving sensitive cultural or historical issues, can provoke a significant response from both the public and the government. The swift action taken by the state authorities reflects their commitment to safeguarding public sentiment and maintaining respect for Goa's historical identity.
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