To Goanet - I read about Manohar Parrikar declaring that he wants to shut down "illegal" casinos.
Not enough, I say. THROW OUT ALL CASINOS FROM GOA. We know how "legal" and "illegal" are fungible entities in Goa (and in India). These are meaningless terms. The Supreme Court gave a judgement on Cidade de Goa and Digu, batting for Timblo, turned that judgement on its head. So illegal became legal within 24 hours. The important thing is to do what is right. The casinos in Mandovi river are a disgrace and an insult to every Goan. They are effectively floating brothels and gambling dens. Every Thursday and Friday, scores of politicians and other odious characters from Mumbai, Delhi, & all over India descend on Panjim. There are all kind of 'packages' on offer (do I have to spell out what that means?). They gamble away cash worth CRORES every weekend (no exaggeration, mind you). You can figure out why 'independent journos' and migrant editors in Goa don't want to touch this story. If you have noticed a sudden increase in the number of faces of girls from the northeast hanging around in Panjim the past few months, that is not a coincidence. No longer is Goa a brothel in the metaphorical sense. IT IS A LITERAL BROTHEL. It is also common knowledge that one minister (I believe it is more than one, but my informant can confirm at least one) has a direct stake in one of the casinos. His average take in a month runs into crores. Most of the owners are outsiders, fellows who have suitably bribed local politicos and panchayats to feather their little pads in Goa. Many of the employees at the floating casinos are outsiders. Furthermore, has anyone investigated the sewage and other rubbish that is being dumped in the river? So I say to Manohar - if you mean it, then shut down ALL casinos. Otherwise you are just blowing smoke. I say to the Goans - how can you be so goddam supine that any bhailo can run over you at will? If the GRA has any teeth, the first order of business - throw the casinos out of Goa. Regards, r