Team Herald
PANJIM: Goa Suraksha Manch’s (GSM) Panjim by-election candidate Subhash Velingkar on Friday, assured to shift off shore casino out of River Mandovi, if elected.
Velingkar released his election manifesto ‘GSM- towards clean politics’.
“Change can only be implemented under a mutual cooperation between those willing to make a change and those who play a role in bringing about the same,” the manifesto said.
Cleaning and beautification of St Inez creek, Rua de Ourem creek and Mala lake, along with proper and judicious utilization of the funds allocated for the Smart City project, uninterrupted power and regular water supply are some of the highlights of the manifesto.
Addressing media persons while releasing the manifesto, Velingkar said that removal of casinos from River Mandovi is going to be one of his top priorities. “As per law, off-shore casinos are meant to be in deep sea and not in rivers. So, we will send them to sea, where they actually belong,” he said.
“Casino industry has not only disturbed the society and culture of the State but also polluted the river. The casino ships are discharging all the waste water into the Mandovi river,” former Goa RSS chief said.
“Casino lobby is rearing politicians and political parties and hence they have failed to act against them,” he alleged.
Listing out series of promises, Velingkar aimed a dig at former Chief Minister (late) Manohar Parrikar for neglecting the constituency for 25 years. “For the past 25 years we saw only promises and assurances but nothing actually happened on the ground. I want to break that chain of lies. I will not cheat Ponjekars,” he said assuring to give action taken report of each of his works every two month.
Velingkar has assured to have periodic visits to all the wards of the constituency and hold regular interaction with the residents.
Reiterating that he would sit in the opposition once elected, irrespective of which party forms the government, Velingkar said he would force the government to implement the assurances made by him to the people of Panjim. “I am not going to be one of those opposition MLA giving excuses that I could not do what I promised since I was in the opposition. I will force the government with democracy as my weapon,” he said.
