Goa Khabar : Public demand to remove casinos operating on the Mandovi River has clearly unsettled the ruling BJP government. As part of the “Anti-Casino” campaign, Panaji citizens reached the City Corporation of Panaji for a meeting promised by Mayor Rohit Monserratte. AAP Goa President Valmiki Naik was part of the citizens delegation.
The police used selective police force against Valmiki Naik and he was manhandled and removed from the public meeting at the CCP.
In recent days, public dissatisfaction with the BJP government has been rising, particularly over issues related to Goa’s natural beauty, civic amenities, and administrative functioning. The demand to stop a new high rise casino in the Mandovi River had gained strong momentum among citizens. As part of this campaign, Valmiki Naik and local residents went to the Panaji Municipal Corporation.
Speaking on the issue, Valmiki Naik said, “I do not blame the police personnel for the action taken against me. However, I strongly condemn those who hid behind the police force and demonstrated the BJP government’s pressure tactics. When we came to submit our memorandum, even Monserrate did not come forward to accept it, out of fear. There is clear pressure from those who benefit financially from the casino operations—from Goa to Delhi. Without political protection, these casinos could not function. Before the Assembly elections, Babush Monserrate had promised to remove casinos within 100 days if elected on a Congress ticket. Instead, within 100 days after the results, he joined the BJP and the casinos remained where they are—operating even more aggressively because they are a source of income for the ruling establishment.”
Condemning the police action against the AAP State President, Senior Vice President Sandesh Teliekar-Desai expressed strong anger, saying:
“Goans, what is happening in our state? This is nothing but suppression by the BJP government. If we remain silent today, tomorrow our children’s future will be in darkness. We feel ashamed looking at the behaviour of the representatives we elected. These power-hungry leaders are pushing Goa into darkness. They have no shame. This government has lost all moral standing.”
