Unlike his predecessor Manohar Parrikar, now Union Defence minister who had answers to every question in the House, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar was left speechless when Independent legislator Rohan Khaunte pointed out that instead showing casinos he door they were being given a backdoor entry.
Parsekar struggled to reply to Khaunte’s questions over the alleged illegal transfer of licence to M V Royale Flotel, which the MLA pointed out was contradictory to stated government policy.
The Porvorim MLA produced documents to prove that the licence to an offshore casino expired on March 31, 2014, but M V Caravela vessel’s licence was subsequently renewed and transferred in the name of M V Royale Flotel casino-cum-hotel in July 2014.
“Before the expiry, Caravela’s gaming licence was renewed. If you say, the government cancelled the licence, how could it be transferred through a corrigendum in favour of Flotel? This was a backdoor entry to fifth casino in Mandovi River,” he alleged.
Parsekar, reiterating government’s policy against issuing fresh licences to casinos, said there was no permission from the Home Department. On two-to-three occasions, he paused for a few seconds digging through the papers on his desk only to request the MLA to repeat his question.
Parsekar said the government does not wish to continue with the vessels and renewals were accepted after taking specific undertakings from casino operators. He added that only four casinos are operational, while Caravela has been permitted to moor.
Khaunte refused to accept this answer arguing that there are five offshore casinos operating and the licence for Floatel was renewed through a corrigendum.
The chief minister asserted that the government sticks to its stand that additional licences would not be given, but quickly added it does not intend to ‘throw investors on the road when investments are already made’. As the discussion continued, Parsekar questioned Khaunte as to why he was interested in finding out about the issue when the matter did not belong to his constituency. The Opposition benches, including Independent MLA Naresh Sawal, Congress legislator Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco and others joined Khaunte protesting the chief minister’s statement.
“This is an issue of the State and many Goans are suffering because of this (offshore casinos). Their future is being spoilt. It is the Goan issue and not Rohan Khaunte’s issue alone,” Khaunte said.
