Leader of the Opposition in Goa Assembly Yuri Alemao on Friday, announced that a Congress-led government at the centre would prioritise the recovery of pending dues, amounting to crores in Goods and Services Tax (GST), from casinos and other sectors. The recovered funds, estimated at almost Rs 5,000 crores, would be directed towards the welfare of the common people, he added.
It is worth noting that Goa based casino operator Delta alone has close to Rs. 16,000 crore GST dues linked to its business activities in the tourist state and the matter is currently challenged before the Supreme Court which is expected to be heard in May 2024. Delta donated Rs 40 lakh worth electoral bonds to political parties through its subsidiary Highstreet Cruises and Entertainment Pvt Ltd in April 2019.
Alemao also criticised the government’s inaction regarding the recovery of GST from casino operators, estimating pending dues to exceed Rs 5,000 crore.
Congress last ruled Goa in 2012 and has often criticised the nexus of BJP and casino operators. Congress has often alleged that the BJP government works for welfare of casinos and not for people.
Goa in the last two years alone has collected more than Rs. 820 crore in revenue from the casinos making the amounts significant for the government to consider a ban.
