Goa, Oct. 6 -- Shri Lairai Devasthan President Dinanath Gaonkar has strongly condemned the recent statement made by Congress state president Amit Patkar, who alleged that the government had "sold" the Devi Lairai temple along with Shirgaon village to miners.

Gaonkar termed the remark "objectionable and condemnable," emphasizing that Devi Lairai is a revered deity worshipped by lakhs of devotees across Goa and beyond. "No one can sell or buy the temple of Devi Lairai. It is a sacred place of worship that stands above politics," he said.

He further appealed to all political parties and leaders to refrain from making statements involving the goddess or the temple for political gain, urging respect for religious sentiments and the sanctity ...