Panaji, Mar 7 : Shiv Sena leader Sajay Raut on Sunday said that the party would contest 20-25 seats in the next assembly elections in Goa.

Speaking to reporters in the city, he said,’ Party is preparing itself to contest the elections. Earlier, we had contested elections in alliance with Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM). The party has decided to contest 20-25 seats in the state elections.’

Mr Raut said though he was not in favour of imposing ban on casinos in the state but there should be discipline in the industry and casinos should not be identity of the state.

‘Tourism is a major industry in the state. Other industries should also come to the state. But the state should not function with the help of casino revenue. Are casinos identity of Goa?. Were not the hotels full when there were no casinos?. There are various touristic states but are there casinos as well?. If Shiv Sena comes to power, we will bring discipline to the industry. Loot is underway in the name of casinos,’ he said.

The Shiv Sena leader said said central and state governments should form a policy on mining as there were many people dependent on the industry.

‘There should be policy for mining. There are issues pertaining to environment but there are many people dependent on the mining industry. Therefore, central and state governments should form a policy,’ he said.

Mr Raut blamed opposition for not raising issues of the people in spite of government having failed to deliver.

‘Those who claim to be the opposition parties should clarify whether there is government in the state or not. We see that government has totally failed. There is neither government nor opposition in the state. There is unrest against the government but the opposition has failed to encash it,’ he said. (UNI)