Goa Opposition leader hits out at CM for ‘Nigerians’ remark

Panaji, June 3 (IANS) Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Pratapsingh Rane on Friday criticised Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar for his discriminatory remark against Nigerian nationals, which triggered a controversy earlier this week.

Speaking at a book release function in Panaji, Rane said that people in power should be careful about negatively identifying nationalities while making such comments.

"I feel that it is not right for people in position to single out a particular country... In this age of globalisation, we could spoil our relationship with countries," Rane said.

"There are a number of Indians living in the country which was named by the chief minister. We have to be careful about what we say," Rane said.

Earlier this week, Parsekar coasted controversy when he said that Goans are "annoyed" with the behaviour, attitude and the way of life of Nigerians living in the western coastal state.

Goa Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar also said Nigerians indulged in drug peddling and purposely involved themselves in crimes in order to extend their stay in the country, given the loopholes in the Indian judicial system and lax deportation laws.