We worship 'gau mata', won't tolerate insult: Goa Minister

Panaji: A cabinet minister in the BJP-led coalition government, who has in the past demanded a ban on bikinis in Goa, has warned that no untoward incident against "gau mata" will be tolerated in the state.

Public Works Department Minister Sudin Dhavalikar, who belongs to the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a government function in Old Goa, located 15 km from Panaji.

Asked for comments on the notification banning animal markets and sale of cattle at such markets, Dhavalikar said: "I will not speak much, but we worship `gau mata` and if something untoward to cow happens here, then we will raise our voice."