PANAJI
Once an object of scorn for the BJP when in the opposition, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho has now said that other states were trying to emulate the revenue-generating casino operations.
At least two other Indian states, Godinho said, were trying to emulate Goa's 'original' sin, while explaining how casinos, which his party had campaigned vociferously against in the past, were now a vital cog in the state tourism industry.
"Maybe people used to view it differently in the past, but now there are other states vying to do similar things. I know at least another two states which are now trying to put up casinos, because they have seen (in) Goa how the economic wheels are running related to (the) tourism industry with casinos becoming a reality," Godinho told reporters.
"Other states are also trying it. That means what Goa did in the past and which they thought was a big sin, now other states also want to commit the same sin because it is earning revenue. Everybody gambles. Why gamble in hiding, do it openly in the casino," Godinho also said.
For years before coming to power the BJP had used the casino industry as its favourite punching bag while accusing the erstwhile Congress government of being in cahoots with the industry. After the BJP came to power, Congress started accusing the saffron party of trying to further the agenda of the casino promoters.
Godinho claims that over the years, the casino industry has emerged as an integral part of the State's tourism sector, with its sheer ability to attract crowds even triggering a positive spillover in allied sectors like aviation, public transport, hospitality, etc.
"As you know, today in Goa, the casino industry has become one of the main revenue earners. Your flights are coming full, so it is income for the airlines, your hotels are going full and your taxi fellows can hire the taxis for people who come to naturally gamble and enjoy (the) entertainment part of it on these casino ships," he said.
Goa's tourism growth spurt from 2009 till now can be largely credited to the emergence of the casino industry in the State. The state's numerous offshore and onshore casinos attract lakhs of tourists every year.
