Goa Congress plays safe for now on 'Playboy' club issue

Opposition Congress appeared to be in wait and watch mode over the controversy surrounding the proposal to open 'Playboy' club in Goa, an issue which has seen voices of protests emanating from within the ruling BJP.
Talking to reporters here today, Goa Congress spokesman Sudip Tamankar said a stand on Playboy club would be taken only after the BJP Government clarifies its position on the objection taken by their own legislator for the facility.
The State Assembly is scheduled to discuss the club issue on Monday in response to a calling attention motion moved by BJP MLA Michael Lobo. The legislator has warned of a hunger strike if the club is allowed to operate in the State.

According to Lobo, the club will encourage vulgarism in Goa, which is popular with party-goers from around the world and attracts 24 lakh tourists annually.
"Let the Chief Minister first announce his stand then we will make a statement," Tamankar said, adding the main Opposition party was yet to discuss the Playboy issue.
The first club under the US-based global adult entertainment brand is proposed to come up at Candolim beach.

Interestingly, the club is proposed on the land owned by Congress leader and former Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes, who has applied for the licence in his name.
Earlier this week, All India Mahila Congress Committee President Anita Verma had told reporters that the concepts like Playboy club will not work for Goa.

While applying for licence, the club's promoters have given an assurance, in the form of an affidavit to the State Government, that no vulgar activities will be allowed at the entertainment facility.
Last year, a Mumbai-based firm announced plans to open 120 clubs (starting from Goa), hotels, fashion cafes and shops under Playboy brand in India over the next 10 years.