Panaji/Mangaluru: In a controversial remark Goa unit Shiv Sena president Shivprasad Joshi claimed that unlike Goans who are patriotic and can sing ‘Vande Mataram’ fully, many people from neighbouring state of Karnataka can’t sing the national anthem.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday here Joshi stated, “People in Goa are patriots. I know many students who can sing complete ‘Vande Mataram’ unlike Karnataka where many people do not even know how to sing the national anthem.”

Further Joshi went on to praise Sri Ram Sene chief Pramod Muthalik saying that he has been doing a laudable job in Karnataka and is a protector of women. Recalling the infamous Mangaluru pub attack when few Sene workers barged into a pub and assaulted even the girls, Joshi said that parents of one of the girls had thanked Muthalik for doing a right job of protecting women.

He however clarified that the Sena was not against the “pub culture”, but the “late night affairs outside these places” adding that he didn’t mind what the tourists did in the state but said it is our duty to educate our boys and girls

Responding to a question on the ban imposed on Muthalik’s entry, he said the Sena would support Sri Ram Sene as well as any Muslim organisation if they want to do good work for Goa.

Goa and Karnataka have locked horns over the sharing of Mahadayi or Mandovi river water.