Panaji, Nov 19 (TOI): Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM) on Friday said that if the party comes to power, they will ban rave parties and electronic dance music (EDM) festival like Sunburn and Supersonic in the state.

GSM president Anand Shirodkar said that the GSM policy is to shut all casinos, onshore and offshore, operating in the state. He also said that there is no need for special status for the state. The existing provisions can discourage outsiders from buying properties in the state, he added. But further said that former chief minister and defence minister Manohar Parrikar had taken Goans for a ride by promising to work for special status.

Shirodkar told reporters that the GSM think-tank discussed 20 issues faced by the people of the state and has decide on eight issues faced by the public. “All casino licences, land and offshore, will be cancelled and the Goa Gambling Act will be amended to withdraw the earlier amendments for allowing casinos,” he added.

On medium of instruction, GSM president said our policy is very clear, we will stop government grants to English medium schools from the next academic year, 2017-18.

On tourism, GSM has made up their mind only to encourage clean and beautiful tourism. He said that beach tourism would be regulated as per guidelines of National Centre for Sustainable Beach Management. He also said that hinterland, culture and spiritual tourism will be encouraged.

GSM supports nationalization of rivers under the National Waterways Act 2016. “If there are any adverse effects, remedial action will be taken in consultation with the government of India,” Shirodkar said.

GSM, on Friday, announced the names of former BJP state president and ex-minister Suresh Amonkar as its candidate for Sakhali constituency, Paresh Raikar (Siolim) and Atmaram Gaonker (Mayem) for the 2017 polls.