PANJIM: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday held a demonstration in Panjim protesting the presence of casinos in Goa and demanding that the casino industry in Goa be shut down.
The protest saw AAP leaders, including Dr Oscar Rebello, Elvis Gomes, Devendra Prabhudesai, Valmiki Naik, Dinesh Waghela, Victor Gonsalves, Royala Fernandes and others party candidates taking to the streets. Over 200 AAP protesters gathered at Azad Maidan and marched to the casino jetties.
Addressing the media Dr Rebello said that the casino industry should be closed in Goa. He said there is no need of casino revenue to run the State. “If BJP cannot run the State without casino revenue, leave it, we (AAP) will run the government without a single paisa from casinos,” he said.
AAP said that the unemployment issue which casino operators are citing and using as a defence won’t work as the employees will be rehabilitated if their party comes to power.
“BJP government is getting big protection money from the casino lobby. Top leaders of the BJP are direct beneficiaries. BJP is not bothered about the culture of Goa,” AAP Goa convener Valmiki Naik said.
He said that the AAP survey throughout Goa found that people were against casinos in the State. “The beautiful tourist destination of Goa has now become famous as a casino destination and its related issues like sex trade and drugs,” Naik said. To eradicate narcotics and prostitution from Goa, the casinos should be shut first, he added.
“Casino is the main source of laundering black money. AAP will never compromise on casinos in Goa,” Dr Rebello stated.
