Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM) Promises to Ban Casinos & Rave Parties in Goa

Casinos continue to be a target for political parties in Goa, who are using the issue as a vote-plank for the upcoming 2017 elections. The Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM) is the latest to join the bandwagon of anti-casino crusaders and have stated that if they come to power, they will ensure all casino licenses, rave parties, etc are banned and only clean tourism promoted.

The report appeared in Times of India, which related that the GSM made the announcement on Friday, Nov 19, when it released the names of candidates for the elections.

Anand Shirodkar, President, GSM said that his party policy had been decided to exclude all casinos from the state. He claimed that Manohar Parrikar, former Chief Minister (BJP) had made false promises and taken Goans for a ride.

Speaking about the casino issues, Shirodkar added that his party would shut all onshore and offshore casinos, “All casino licenses, land and offshore, will be cancelled and the Goa Gambling Act will be amended to withdraw the earlier amendments for allowing casinos.”

It was also stated that the GSM would ban all electronic dance music (EDM) festivals like Sunburn and Supersonic in the state, as well as rave parties.

The GSM further declared that if they came to power, only clean tourism that focused on the hinterland, beaches, culture and spiritualism would be promoted.

Cover Image courtesy: DNA