Team Herald
PANJIM: Stating that any move to shift offshore casinos to his constituency will meet a strong opposition from the people, former ports minister Jayesh Salgaonkar said that nobody would benefit from shifting of casinos to Verem side.
Reacting to the government plans to shift casinos, Salgaonkar informed reporters that he along with people would come on the road to oppose any such move.
“What is the intention behind getting the casinos in Verem side? There is a promise to remove it from Mandovi and move it to land; so why are you shifting it here Mr Lobo?” Salgaonkar asked.
The Saligao MLA said that the intention is to keep Mandovi clean and free for navigation.
“Who is he (Michael Lobo) pleasing? Who will it benefit? Have they even given a thought to the increase in vehicular traffic if casinos are shifted?” he asked.
Salgaonkar said that on the Verem side there is no draft for ships to anchor and during low tide the vessel would be grounded.
“Are they going to dredge the place? I don’t know what they are talking but let me take information from Captain of Ports first,” he said.
Salgaonkar said that he does not know the intention behind shifting the casinos, but the people of Saligao and Verem are strongly objecting to this even if they want to dredge the place.
“I have explained to the CM about the (conditions of) roads in the constituency. The roads are used by heavy vehicles to industries and waste treatment plant,” he said.
He suggested that Ports Minister may take the casinos in his constituency.
“I remember Lobo always used to say that bring casinos to Calangute. I say, ‘you take it’; who is stopping,” he quipped.
