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Saligao MLA threatens ‘rasta-roko’ over casino move

The ongoing issue regarding the shifting of the offshore vessels in Goa reaches its peak every now and then. It was just a few weeks earlier that the state government permitted Delta Corp to shift one of its floating hotels Deltin Caravela to the Verem Side of River Mandovi.

On Saturday, the Saligao Goa Forward Party (GFP) MLA Jayesh Salgaonkar said that nobody would benefit from shifting the casinos to the Verem side further threatening to block the Betim-Calangute road and go on a ‘Rasta-roko’ protest if any of the offshore casinos are displaced towards the same.

The former ports minister disagrees and argues that the intentions are not clear behind the entire shifting process, in addition to that, the natives of both Verem and Saligao are strongly opposing this measure. He states, “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 plants,” further adding to close the road if the offshore casino is moved.

Regarding the shift, State Ports Minister Michael Lobo said earlier, “I have cleared the file, and the order has been issued by the government allowing a change in the location of Deltin Caravela.”

Salgaonkar who desires to keep Mandovi free for navigation reacts to Lobo’s statement where he said that the three offshore casinos would be placed along the Panaji side and the other three on the Verem side. “What is the intention behind getting the casinos on the 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?” Fervently asking, “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?

Reacting to the government’s plan to shift the casinos, Salgaonkar also added that Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte also supports this issue. Pointing that the shift is not possible towards the Betim side which might get grounded during low tide. “I don’t know whether the government intends to dredge the river before shifting the vessel.”

Whatsoever, the government needs to resolve the issue and take immediate steps as the entire matter has become quite sensational and controversial. For latest updates on poker industry and tournament around the world, keep reading GutshotMagazine.com and stay tuned!

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