PONDA: Defending PWD Minister Sudin Dhavlikar on his controversial statements regarding pub culture and bikinis on beaches in Goa, Kavlem Sarpanch Rajesh Kavlekar said the PWD minister should be appreciated by Goans for creating awareness on the issue.
Going a step further, Kavlekar has stated that a special gram sabha will be convened to oppose pub culture and bikini on beaches on July 6 and a resolution to that effect will be sent to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.
Addressing a news conference in the presence of other panchayat members on Wednesday, Kavlekar justified the statements of Dhavlikar, which have evoked widespread condemnation across the State.
“Considering the increasing number of crimes against women, the time has come to oppose western culture in Goa as it is against Indian culture. I am supporting his (Dhavlikar’s) statements on pub culture, as it is not Indian culture.”
“Besides, women should not wear bikinis in the open on Goan beaches, but they should wear them in private places, like hotels or swimming pools,” said Kavlekar.
“Goans should appreciate Dhavlikar for creating awareness on the issue. A special Gram Sabha will be convened on July 6 to oppose pub culture and bikini on the beaches and a resolution will be sent to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar,” informed Kavlekar.
Noting the illicit activities taking place in a massage parlour at Dhavli, Kavlekar said the Kavlem Panchayat had immediately cancelled the licence granted to the massage parlour.
“Every activity should have a limit. In temples, no one is allowed semi-nude and if people dress decently, tourism in the State will not be affected,” he said.
“Many crimes in the State occur due to pub culture. Youth spend their time till late night in the pubs and are then engaged in crime activities. Hence, the source of crime is this pub culture, which is against Goan society.”
Panchayat members Satwahila Naik, Swetha Gavde, Pandurang Naik and Sandesh Kapileshwarkar also voiced their opposition to pub culture during the news conference.
