Lucky for some

The ill-fated casino MV Lucky-7 promoted by Golden Globe Hotel Private Limited has hit a sandbar triggering sharp reactions within the ruling dispensation. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar stuck to his earlier claim of navigation not being possible during this time of the season and blamed the operator. Nilesh Cabral said nobody would refuse the Rs 45 crore dues which were paid to the government prior to renewal, but said it is the alliance which has to take a call on casino policy. Tourism Minister appears to be all at sea and was not aware who allowed the casino to come when the case is in court. Calangute MLA Michael Lobo suggested moving the Supreme Court challenging the High Court’s direction to permit the casino. The casino saga appears to be pulled by strong undercurrents from within the government. rThe Lucky-7 casino journey so far has been mired in controversies. It is common knowledge that opposition bigwigs, including Rohan Kaunte and Vijai Sardesai, were screaming loud and clear in mid-2016 over their opposition to the sixth offshore casino. Vijai’s tweet went viral where he stoutly blamed the government of fixing a deal with Gopal Kanda, the owner of the vessel. The tide appeared to have changed course with the formation of the new government where old foes became new friends. The TCP minister is one of the cabinet ministers who was part of the decision to allow entry to Lucky 7. Vijai undoubtedly continues his tirade against the casinos, but the dice is cast and there is hardly anything the government can do till the time they come up with a policy on casinos. Holding the High Court responsible and choosing the convenient way out will not help. Government should have put up a strong case and should have stuck to the Captain of Ports’ note of dissent which clearly said that this is not the time of the year to bring the casino into the River Mandovi, clearly warning of a navigational disaster. The CoP in its affidavit had stated the perils of getting the vessel into Mandovi before September. Instead of going strongly with this advisory, the government meekly succumbed to the assertion of Golden Globe Hotels Pvt Ltd that the vessel is getting affected in the seas and that there is an urgency of getting it into the Mandovi. rInterestingly, even at the time of renewal of licence, the High Court had directed the government for immediate action since the advocate general had no other objection besides holding back the file due to “model code of conduct”. rBJP spokesperson Nilesh Cabral’s contention that it would be ‘foolish’ for the government to have not accepted Golden Globe’s offer to pay Rs 45-crore to the state treasury in lieu of getting their licence renewed may be accepted, but the MLA must also realize that Goa’s coast and rivers are not for sale.