Margao, Dec 30 (TOI): Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco questioned chief minister Manohar Parrikar over his failure in shutting down casino operations in the state for good as it was "the anti-casino plank on which the BJP came to power in the March 2012 state assembly elections".

"It is sad to state that casinos are having a free run in the state since the BJP came to power in Goa by bluffing and cheating Goans," Lourenco said. He claimed that two more casinos are likely to come up at the Kadamba plateau on the Old Goa bypass road and another one in Calangute. "These gambling houses will soon become a pan-Goa phenomenon," he said.

Lourenco further questioned why the chief minister was 'hell bent on issuing new licences' when he continues to blame the previous Congress government for bringing casinos to Goa. "I am convinced Parrikar is a guardian of the casinos because he wants to ensure all future election expenses of BJP in Goa as well as in the rest of the country are paid by the casinos of Goa," he said.

The Curtorim MLA also demanded to know why GST has not been imposed on casinos and why no bills were given to the clientele. He further sought an explanation for the tardiness in appointing a gaming commission that was assured by Parrikar.