Panaji (GOA) Congress Panaji by-election candidate Girish Chodankar has promised to get rid of off shore casino vessels from River Mandovi as his poll promise.
The manifesto with 17-point focus area for Panaji was released at the hands of Member of Parliament and Congress national spokesperson Deepender Singh Hooda on Thursday afternoon.
The manifesto speaks that the casinos have been serious concern for the social health and well-being of the State.
“Congress is committed to get rid of casinos from River Mandovi, for which an amendment to the Section 13A of Public Gambling Act would be brought about, instead of new casino policy which will not be enforced by law,” the document stated.
“In 2012, the BJP promised to move the casinos out of the river. But instead of moving them, they have now become protectors of casinos in Goa,” the manifesto added.
The election manifesto released by BJP Panaji candidate and Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is silent on the casino issue.
The elections are scheduled on August 23.
Further, Chodankar has assured to stand with all the Goans to restore ownership of rivers back in the hands of Goans and will ensure that there is no negative fall-out of the nationalization on rivers, river life and river beds.
Congress has promised scientific solution to the garbage problem, cleanliness of St Inez creek, systematic approach to solve parking issue, upgradation of infrastructure to make the life of Panjimites more comfortable, are major highlights of the manifesto.
Permanent venue for trade exhibition, mala market project, beautification of mala lake, solution to flooding, restoration of campal football ground, parks and gardens and football ground and crematorium at Ribandar are the other promises made by Chodankar.
Team TNV