PANAJI:
Former minister Atanasio Babush Monserrate, who is the Congress candidate for the May 19 Panjim bypoll, on Sunday, unveiled his manifesto which he claimed was compiled with citizens' inputs and promises removal of off-shore casinos from the Mandovi river within 100 days.
Monserrate claimed he would ensure the offshore casinos leave the river by re-introducing live gaming in land-based casinos housed in various starred hotels.
"Let me clarify. The off-shore casinos were permitted by giving them licences to start table games and live gambling and disallowing the activity on land (hotel) casinos. My plan is to allow live gaming in hotels and then remove the off-shore casinos," Monserrate said when asked by media persons to elaborate how he plans to execute their removal in 100 days.
Meanwhile, other significant promises made in the manifesto include setting up of state-of-the-art garbage treatment plant in Bainguinim, redevelopment of the iconic Junta House with a multi-storied parking facility for 1000 vehicles, community centres as well as government offices in the buildings.
Another promise that Monserrate's manifesto lists is the rejuvenation and beautification of the St Inez creek by introducing amphibious vehicles for periodic maintenance.
The manifesto was unveiled at a function held at the Saraswati Mandir hall in the city in the presence of Opposition Leader Chandrakant Kavlekar, GPCC president Girish Chodankar, former mayors Surendra Furtado, Yatin Parekh and Vittal Chopdekar, current mayor Uday Madkaikar among others.
