On Friday, Goa’s Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar has refused to shut down casinos in his state. He supported his statement by saying that if his government takes such a step then it would not be in favor of state’s economy and they will lose a revenue equaling Rs. 150 Crores per year, which comes in taxes from several casinos in Goa. Parrikar’s govt. is facing strong criticism from the Congress for being unable to shut down offshore vessels which runs casinos along the Mandovi River.
In a meeting of Goa Small Industries Association, Parrikar said, “I get Rs. 150 Crore worth of revenue from casinos. Although I am personally against them, how will I be compensated if I close them?” It seems that Goa’s chief minister has changed lines after coming in power as he was totally against and was a ruthless critique of casinos when he was in opposition in Congress government.
After coming in power, he said that the state is under a huge liability of Rs. 1,500 Crore and there are not sufficient funds to pay salaries of govt. employees.
Another blow which questioned chief minister’s honest intentions came few days ago, when media put questions about how his son received mutation of his land document within a day when it takes several days or even months for a normal citizen.
Chief Minister cleared this and told that his son followed all the legal formalities and he received his mutation in one day as it was govt. order to complete the mutation in 24 hours. He said, “The order is applicable to all the applicants, not just my son”.
He accused Congress for all these false allegations and said that he would expose all those who are behind this. Adding to this he said claimed to resign if anyone can prove that he or his son has done something unlawful.