In a recent interview with Goencho News, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Goa President Amit Palekar criticized the BJP-led state government, alleging that it is heavily influenced by the casino industry. Palekar claimed that the casino lobby has become more powerful than the government itself, suggesting that financial dependencies have compromised the administration’s ability to act independently.

Palekar further stated that no current leader in the Goa BJP can emulate the leadership of the late Manohar Parrikar, implying a decline in governance standards. He accused the government of being entangled with casino interests due to substantial financial benefits received, which, according to him, hinders any efforts to regulate or remove casinos from the state.