Panaji (GOA) Ruling possibility that casinos can be misused with respect to cash distribution to lure the voters, the Chief Electoral Office (CEO) is keeping close watch on the operations of the casinos.
CEO in its direction to the Commercial Taxes Department has asked for a strong vigil on the casinos- both onshore and off shore, to avoid its misuse to stash money for campaigning by candidates or political parties.
The casinos had come under radar of CEO even during the February 2017 general assembly election, after some political parties had raised apprehensions about possible use of the casinos to stash money.
Total five off shore casinos are operational in river Mandovi in Panjim, which is going for by-elections along with Valpoi assembly constituency on August 23. The election code of conduct is already in force. An expenditure cap of 20 lakhs per candidate or political party is fixed.
The department of commercial taxes is also monitoring the sale of bikes, electronic and household items costing more than Rs 5,000, which may be used to lure voters. The sale and transportation of liquor is also under the scanner.
CEO has also directed the police to enumerate those engaged in distribution of milk, newspaper, fish, bread, vegetables and clear instructions on avoiding action as conduit for any cash or kind distribution.