TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: The prospect of India’s first Playboy Club sprouting in Candolim has run into rough weather yet again, with BJP’s Calangute MLA Michael Lobo threatening to resort to hunger strike, if permission is granted to the club that has courted controversy.
However, Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar has clarified that the ‘government will never allow the club if it indulged in vulgarity’.
The Calangute MLA asked his own government whether ‘it endorses prostitution in Goa, in the form of Playboy’. He said that government has till date not understood the concept called ‘Playboy’. “Playboy is known for its vulgarity and nudity. I have personally visited Playboy Club in London and saw what’s happening there,” Lobo narrated, adding that State will not be allowed to become international destination for prostitution through such brands.
The legislator also alleged that there is a lot of pressure on BJP government right from Delhi to Mumbai to give licence to this club.
Speaking to media persons, a visibly animated Lobo said that he will sit on fast unto death, if his government gives permission. He, however, refused to resign as party MLA and President of North Goa BJP unit. ‘I am opposing this club anywhere in Goa. The Department of Tourism has already made up its mind to give them NOC,” he claimed, pointing to the question tabled on the floor of the House, wherein government has said that the proposal for setting up Playboy Club in Goa is under consideration.
Lobo said that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has assured him that such a club won’t be allowed in the State. He said that the beach-side property, where the club is expected to take shape is owned by former Congress MLA Agnelo Fernandes on Candolim Beach. The property approximately of 2,043 square metres would be the first beach club globally for the California-based brand of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner.
Indirectly targeting the Tourism Director Nikhil Dessai, Lobo said ‘Minister is being misguided by the department…it is the job of the director to put across the facts before the minister…the director also has the right not to accept the proposal’.
Meanwhile, Dilip Parulekar informed reporters that Playboy franchisee has already given in writing to the State government through an affidavit, asserting that there will not be vulgarity and in such case, government will not have an objection to give them licence. “Playboy bunny would be wearing a saree,” he stated.
“But considering the objections raised by party colleagues like Lobo, the government will rethink,” he added. US-based designer Mohini Tadikonda reworked the iconic Playboy bunny costume, adding long drapes of black chiffon to the bottom half in keeping with Indian laws and sensibilities, but the upper half ~ the satin bustier ~ remains tight and revealing, sources stated.
