By Aires Rodrigues
While in the Opposition Mr. Manohar Parrikar had vociferously demanded the removal of casinos. He had himself led agitations seeking the removal of Casinos. Now as Chief Minister he has gone back on his own principles by endorsing the gambling industry in his budget.
Despite strong local opposition to the Casinos, Mr. Manohar Parrikar has made the Casinos more accessible by lowering the entry fee from Rs 2000 to Rs. 500. His proposed legislation to ban Goans from gambling in the Casinos will not stand the test of law. The Chief Minister’s contention that only the rich will be permitted on passes to be issued by the Collector is absurd besides unenforceable, and will lead to further corruption. Removal of the Casinos is the only way out so that Goa can live. The Chief Minister also now controls the Corporation of City of Panaji, so he has no excuses to deliver what he had promised by bidding the Casinos a farewell.
Mr. Chief Minister we understand the political and other compulsions on the issue. But by acting tough you would also be fulfilling the wishes of the late Matanhy Saldanha who had, along with you consistently advocated the removal of Casinos. Mr. Manohar Parrikar would be well advised not to gamble on the people’s verdict at the recent polls. We are India’s second most literate State and will not be taken for a ride.
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