A Catholic priest in Goa has expressed regret over his recent remark on Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that he made during a sermon, after some right-wing organisations took exception to it.
The priest, Fr Bolmax Pereira, however, said that his statement on the 17th century king was taken "out of context and misinterpreted".
A video of the priest, attached to a church near Vasco town, went viral recently in which he said that "Chhatrapati Shivaji cannot be considered as a God". Several right-wing organisations in the state, including Bajrang Dal, condemned his remark.
On Thursday late evening, Pereira issued a statement in which he expressed regret over the controversy surrounding his remark and the "misunderstanding" that arose due to the mention of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
"The purpose and intent of making a mention of the great national hero and valiant warrior during the sermon was to tell devotees and viewers that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was revered by people across the country and abroad cutting across religions, castes, creed, languages," he said in a statement. "Hence, attributing him (Shivaji Maharaj) to only one religion would reduce his stature and greatness among the people of other faiths," he said.
The priest said that he was shocked to learn that his sermon was "selectively taken out of context" to show only one part of the statement while the other part praising Shivaji Maharaj's valour and heroism as he protected his people and kingdom and stood against invaders, was "maliciously omitted".
He said he believed that the omission of the part of his remarks was aimed at inciting anger and creating enmity between communities. Fr Pereira said, "If any individual or organisation has been hurt due to this episode and misunderstanding, I express my deepest regret and hope and pray that the long-lasting bond between communities that has existed since centuries is maintained and grows stronger."