TNN | Jan 3, 2015, 02.51 AM ISTPANAJI: While earlier BJP chief minister Manohar Parrikar had categorically stated that there would be no casinos operating in the River Mandovi post December 3, 2015, present chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar seems more ambivalent on the issue.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of Friday's cabinet briefing, Parsekar said that limiting casinos and shifting casinos to "an alternative site is definitely an option before the government".
Parsekar seemed sure that his government would not allow new offshore casinos in the state.
He said that those casinos which have been given permissions by the previous Congress government, and which contribute considerable revenue to the government treasury, cannot be stopped abruptly.
There are five valid licences for offshore casinos. Currently, four vessels are operating in River Mandovi.
Said Parsekar, "They are functioning because of the permissions given by the earlier government. If we try to dislodge them, they can also go to the courts. But my government will not encourage new proposals. Limiting the number of casinos or locating them at an alternate site is definitely an option before the government.
It was on March 6 that Parrikar had stated in the Goa legislative assembly that there would be no casinos operating in the River Mandovi post December 3, 2015.
Replying to a starred question by Porvorim independent MLA Rohan Khaunte, on onshore and offshore casinos, Parrikar gave a "categorical assurance" that no casinos would be operating in the river post December 3, 2015.
Parrikar said he was not sure where the casinos would go and that the government could work that out. But no operating casinos would remain in the River Mandovi, he had said.
Parrikar, as chief minister, had come under severe criticism on the casino issue. As the opposition leader he had demanded scrapping of the offshore casino licences. But as CM, Parrikar, allowed bigger vessels promoting the opposition to call it another U-turn for his "pro-casino policy". Parrikar is currently the defence minister of the country. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/CM-plays-vague-card-on-shifting-casinos/articleshow/45737045.cms
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