Congress: decision is “backstabbing” the people of Goa
Casino cruises in the River Mandovi in the Indian state of Goa will not be relocated for at least a year, and possibly longer, according to the Asia Gaming Brief. Goan Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar has extended the deadline to move the casinos from their present location “until suitable alternative sites are finalized,” local media reports.
In 2014, the ruling Manohar Parrikar government ordered all casino vessels to move out of the river by the end of March or face the revocation of their licenses. Since then, four locations have been identified as possible locations: the Zuari River, the Mandovi River mouth, Aguada Bay and Chapora River. “But these locations were either not feasible for the casino operators or there was opposition from the locals,” Parsekar said.
The main opposition Congress said the delay was a case of “backstabbing” the people of Goa.
“The (Bharatiya Janata Party) government today has crossed yet another milestone of shameless U-turn on its own promise with this decision, which bolsters our belief and claim that the BJP government is run by the casino lobby,” said Congress General Secretary Sunil Kawthankar.
According to the Navhind Times, offshore casino owners are receptive to the proposal, but have suggested they need assurances their licenses will remain in force.
“We have invested huge amounts in the vessels, and if we are told to shift, we will do it,” said Director of Casino Pride Shrinivas Nayak. “But what about the vessels? We will re-incur investment costs for onshore casinos and the government will have to ensure security to our investment.”
An anonymous source quoted by the Times said moving casinos onshore was a better option. “The vessels from where the offshore casinos are functioning are not seaworthy,” the source said. “Therefore, the government cannot force these vessels to move out of River Mandovi. However, the government is not willing to give up on the huge sums of revenue the industry provides in addition to employment.”
According to gaming lawyer Jay Sayta, the move would also require legislative amendments, and because 2017 is an election year, “it may only crystallize at the end of 2017 or in early 2018.”
