Goa Tourism Department calls Marathas 'invaders,' apologizes soon after
The Goa Tourism Department on Friday referred to the Maratha warriors led by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as invaders but deleted the tweet containing that reference soon after and also issued an apology. As a result, the opposition Congress slammed the BJP government in the state for "insulting" the Marathas, even as Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar said an inquiry would be launched into the tweet.
Here is what the tweet read
Department's Twitter handle @TourismGoa had tweeted, "The Aguada Jail is part of the beautiful Fort Aguada which was built in 1612. This fort which once defended Portuguese stronghold against the Dutch and Maratha invaders is divided into two parts- The upper and the lower fort."
'Invader' was meant to be used for the Dutch: Department
Soon after tweeting it, the department deleted the post and issued an apology. "In our post about Aguada fort, the word "invader" was meant to be used for the Dutch. It was intended to be read 'stronghold against Dutch invaders and Maratha rulers' instead of the erroneous reference. We regret the error and apologize," the department said in another tweet.
Here is the apology
This kind of error is unacceptable: Tourism Minister
Ajgaonkar said this kind of error is unacceptable and he would initiate an inquiry into the incident. "This kind of tweet should not have happened. I will immediately inquire into the incident. This is unacceptable," the minister said.
Digambar Kamat termed the tweet 'irresponsible'
Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat, who shared both the tweets, said the irresponsible tweet insults the Marathas by calling the great warriors led by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj invaders. Also, the clarification post makes propaganda of Salazars Portuguese Regime, he said. Notably, the fort was built to guard and defend the Portuguese stronghold against the Dutch and the Marathas.
Here is what Leader of Opposition tweeted
Here is all you need to know about Aguada Fort
Aguada Fort, located in North Goa, was built by the Portuguese in 1612, who ruled Goa for over four centuries. A part of the fort was converted into a prison. The historic Aguada jail was being renovated and was supposed to open for the public in March. Being developed as a tourist spot, it will also have a museum depicting the state's liberation struggle.
