Team Herald

PANJIM: While promising to stay loyal and act transparently, Congress Panjim candidate Girish Chodankar has promised to get rid of offshore casino vessels from River Mandovi. 

Chodankar has also assured to stand with all Goans to restore ownership of the rivers back in the hands of Goans and ensure there is no negative fallout of the nationalisation of rivers, river life and river beds. 

“I guarantee the citizens of Panjim that I will be loyal to the people and the city. There could be issues outside my control. But to stay local, act transparently and be committed to honesty are promises I can make and stand by,” Chodankar said in his election manifesto that has 17-point focus areas for Panjim. 

The manifesto was released Congress national spokesperson and MP Deepender Singh Hooda. AICC secretary and Goa desk in-charge Dr Chellakumar, Party president Shantaram Naik, Leader of the Opposition Chandrakant Kavlekar, MLA Jennifer Monserrate, Digambar Kamat and Tony Fernandes were present. 

Stating that casinos have been a serious concern for the social health and well-being of the State, Chodankar said that Congress is committed to get rid of casinos from River Mandovi, for which an amendment to the Section 13A of Public Gambling Act would be brought about, instead of new casino policy which will not be enforced by law. 

Chodankar said that once the offshore casinos are shifted, the Congress will take a call on land casinos and overall casino culture. “The casinos are being protected by BJP, despite opposition, particularly by the residents of Panjim,” the manifesto stated. 

“In 2012, the BJP promised to move the casinos out of the river. But instead of moving them, they have now become protectors of casinos in Goa,” the manifesto added. 

Congress has promised scientific solution to the garbage problem, while assuring to work relentlessly to clean the St Inez creek. 

While promising to tackle the parking problem using systematic approach with the help of experts, the party will also demand for an inquiry under the Prevention of Corruption Act into the shoddy and sub-standard work of Miramar-Dona Paula road. 

Welcoming the Smart City concept, Chodankar has assured to make the management of the project transparent so that people can contribute by way of ideas. 

A permanent venue for trade exhibitions, Mala market project, beautification of Mala lake, solution to flooding, restoration of Campal football ground, parks and gardens and football ground and crematorium at Ribandar are the other promises made by Chodankar.