Casino-operator sponsored BJP MLAs' junket, alleges Congress

PANAJI: Seeking to turn the tables on the Goa government over ban on offshore casinos in the state, Congress today alleged that some BJP legislators went on a foreign trip sponsored by a renowned casino operator.

"One of the casino operators had sponsored the Dubai trip of several BJP legislators, including ministers in the first week of November 2013. The junket was facilitated to ensure that these legislators change their minds about banning offshore casinos," Goa Congress unit spokesman Durgadas Kamat told reporters here today.

Kamat said his party has demanded an inquiry into the junket that had "ulterior" motives.

To substantiate his allegations, the Congress leader posted pictures of BJP leaders on their foreign trip on twitter, purportedly showing Goa industries minister Mahadev Naik, state Assembly's Deputy Speaker Anant Shet, fisheries minister Avertano Furtado and MLAs Micheal Lobo, Glenn Ticlo and Benjamin Silva.

When contacted for their reaction, the ministers and MLAs did not respond. However, Goa BJP unit president Vinay Tendulkar denied the allegation that the trip was paid by a casino operator.

"They might have gone on their own. They can afford foreign trips," he said.

Tendulkar also said that no inquiry will be conducted into the allegations by the Congress.

The allegation comes in the backdrop of a recent statement by Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar that "it is not difficult to shut the offshore casino industry as it will send wrong signal to the investors."

Goa has five offshore casino vessels operating at Mandovi river in Panaji.

The BJP has been opposing the offshore casinos in the state and before the 2012 state elections had even promised to shift them out of Mandovi once it was voted to power.