With 2017 State Assembly elections around the corner, the BJP-led government has meticulously planned its first strategy to woo the voters during the poll campaign. That’s none other than on the very controversial existence of casinos in River Mandovi. Their strategy is clear – elect BJP to power and get the casinos out of Mandovi by March 31, next year.
The recent State cabinet decision to further extend operation of four-offshore casinos in River Mandovi, and proposal to convert these into land-based ones if feasible sites are not located in one year, is said to be a mere eye-wash. The reason: Government will have to amend the existing Goa Gambling Act.
Moreover, it is not a hidden fact that any attempt to continue allowing survival of the casino industry in the State is often challenged by the anti-casino lobby. Considering this situation, the off-shore casinos will continue to be permanent residents of the Mandovi waters.
The cabinet decision comes exactly on the day when the condition to shift the large vessels to any one of the alternate locations – Aguada bay, River Zuari, River Chapora or River Sal lapsed on March 31, 2016.
In a U-turn on its own decision not to allow any more casinos to operate, the Cabinet Ministers have accorded its nod to the operation of a fifth off-shore casino-cum-floatel hotel – M V Royale Flotel in the already congested River Mandovi. All this was despite the fact that government was pulled up over the alleged illegal transfer of license to the Royale Flotel, contradictory to policy of the government during the winter session of the Legislative Assembly in January 2016.
Fully prepared to expose the government, Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte had flashed confidential documents on the floor of the House exposing renewal of M V Caravela vessel’s license although NOCs to all off-shore casinos expired on March 31, 2014. The license was ironically transferred in the name of casino-cum-flotel hotel in July 2014.
“BJP government is agent of casino industry. This is a fund raising process ahead of scheduled forthcoming election,” Khaunte reacted.
Sources state that BJP would cash in on the casino debate in the coming elections with a repeated promise to shift the vessels out of River Mandovi. “It won’t be a surprise when BJP’s 2017 election manifesto will speak about shifting of casinos to another site in a certain period. The party will be prepared to justify what forced the government to grant extension during the campaign. But we know that this ruling coalition has attained PhD in U-turns,” a local activist claimed wishing anonymity.
The saffron party however has a justification before the issue turns into a ball of fire as the State inches closer to the crucial elections. “Government was left with no choice owing to administrative and technical difficulties. We stick by our principle on ‘No casinos,” State BJP’s general secretary Damodar Naik said.
A cabinet decision on August 14, 2013 stated that licenses to vessels expiring on or before March 31, 2014 may be considered for extension for a period not exceeding two years, as it would enable them to make alternate arrangements to move out of Mandovi River. However, licenses expiring after March 31, 2014 would not be renewed for operations and neither additional off-shore casinos would be permitted.
The present status is a live example of how government has ignored its own cabinet decision, for reasons best known to them. The Royale Flotel was granted in-principle approval in 2014 with a condition they can operate anywhere except River Mandovi. Since the authorities failed to identify feasible sites, the vessel was rewarded with the approval for operations till March 31, 2017.
“The identified sites were not feasible to shift the vessels, which is why cabinet decision to grant one year’s extension. The Captain of Ports is asked to identify new sites,” Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar.
Herald had access to some notings wherein each casino operator was granted operational licenses for five years with an undertaking to shift out of the existing location within two years of signing it. As the deadline dates approached, the government identified the four sites amidst some locals raising objection to relocating the vessels to their areas. The government thereafter in August 2015 invited suggestions from the citizens including all the stakeholders over its proposal. Pressed against the deadline, the Home department began scrutiny of 2,500 suggestions, objections and views from the villages surrounding the proposed sites.
“The promise will remain on paper. The BJP, while in opposition, was against the casino lobby and promised the Goans to do away with offshore gambling operations once in power. It came to power only to forget its promise,” activist Sabina Martins said.
Four years after sitting over the key issue, the government suddenly woke up from its slumber to expedite framing Casino Policy and appoint Gaming Commission to regulate the casino industry. All thanks to the upcoming State elections!
Over a month ago, the Law Department vetted the casino rules while also seeking minor clarifications from the Home Department. Complying with the observations in its finalization, the officials are in the process to submit the required information. “The file will be sent to the Law department in the next few days,” Additional Secretary (Home) Sanjiv Gadkar said.
It will be a wait and watch situation as to how to government proceeds towards implementation of the fresh decision as it has earned a title of ‘U-turn.’
