PORVORIM: The opposition benches today mocked Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar over his failed assurance to shift M V Royal Deltin Caravela casino vessel, which is currently anchored near Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in River Mandovi. Congress MLA from Cumbharjua Pandurang Madkaikar said that if Goa government failed to control the casino culture in Goa than the entire state will be controlled by casino lobby. “The way casino lobby is controlling Las Vegas and Macau, the same way the casino lobby and Jaidev Modi will control Goa, he will decide which party will form the government in Goa,” Madkaikar said while slamming ruling BJP government.. Independent MLA Rohan Khaunte said that the casino which was initially parked off the Brittona bay was later shifted near the bird sanctuary and is now waiting for government’s order to shift from there. “Captain of Port has not received any directions from the government to shift it despite clear assurance from Chief Minister Parsekar,” Khaunte said. Meanwhile Congress MLA Mauvin Godinho appealed to the government to not to shift the casinos to Chicalim bay stating it will be a negative step of the government. “The people of Chicalim have even not allowed institution, shipyard and fishing jetty to take over that bay, so don’t try to get casinos in Chicalim,” Godinho said on the floor of the house. Congress MLA Reginaldo Lourenco has alleged that BJP government has done development of only casinos and not of the state. He said that with one more new licence still six more new applications are pending with government.
