Fr. Conceicao D'Silva, Goa Catholic priest, whose video of a "hate-speech" during a sermon in a Church, against the BJP went viral on social media offered an unconditional apology to the Election authorities on Tuesday.
South Goa Collector Ajit Roy, who was asked to probe the issue after the Goa BJP lodged a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer, Goa, said on Tuesday that the priest has also apologised to the State administration.
Mr. Roy, who is also Returning Officer for South goa urged religious, political leaders of all hue to avoid aggressive speeches and not use religious places for election campaigning. "As the priest has tendered an unconditional apology, it is accepted and has been strongly warned not to repeat such things in future and has been advised to confine himself to priestly duties as per customs and traditions, failing which strict action will be taken as per law," Mr. Roy said in a statement issued here.
Mr. Roy also said that the model code of conduct mandates that there shall be no appeal to caste or communal sentiments for securing votes. "Mosques, churches, temples or other places of worship shall not be used as a forum for election propaganda," the statement cautioned.