PANAJI
The Assembly witnessed a noisy scene on Monday night when the Opposition benches demanded an FIR against the Sunburn organizers for selling early bird tickets without government approval.
Responding to the demands on Tourism, Minister Rohan Khaunte admitted that the department had not granted any permission to Sunburn while accepting it received an application to shift the venue to Quitol. Khaunte informed the House that they have sought an explanation from the organizers as they have not submitted any valid documents.
Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao demanded that an FIR be registered against the organizers, arguing that selling tickets online implied government’s approval to host the EDM at the new venue. "Why is the department not filing an FIR against them? They are selling tickets even without approval," Alemao insisted as other opposition legislators raised questions about the Sunburn organizers' relocation plan.
While the minister refrained from giving a clear response, he stated that the government is yet to decide on the application. "I don’t go for Sunburn," he remarked, to which the Opposition responded that their concerns were about the legality and alleged nefarious activities associated with the event.
“This time they (Sunburn organizers) have sought to host the event in South Goa and Quitol is the venue mentioned in their application. We have sought an explanation and replied to them conveying that this cannot be accepted. We have asked them to submit documents.”
Replying to concerns about last-minute approval, citing past instances, Khaunte stated, “Whether Sunburn can happen or not, the government can reply when the organizers apply with documents. We have acknowledged the receipt of the letter which is without any valid documents.”
The Opposition reiterated their demand for FIR with a brief spat between the minister and the LoP.
Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar adjourned the House to Tuesday as the Opposition continued to demand an FIR against the organizers.
