Why the Goa BJP, Cong are against Playboy's sari-clad bunnies

Panaji: The BJP Goa unit has decided to stand by its legislator who has opposed Playboy Club's plan to open a branch at Candolim beach which has been under consideration of the state tourism ministry.

Even the state Congress unit has also expressed its reservations over opening of such a facility in the state. The BJP does not approve of having Playboy Club being started in Goa and we will take up the issue with the state government, party's Goa unit spokesman Dr Wilfred Mesquita told reporters here today.

The state BJP-led government is considering the proposal by the US-based club's franchisee to open its branch in Goa. BJP legislator Michael Lobo has threatened to go on a hunger strike if the club is given permission, claiming that it would encourage vulgar tourism in the state.

"We are definitely taking into consideration the objections raised by Lobo. We will talk to the government," said Mesquita, who was flanked by Goa unit president Vinay Tendulkar and party's national secretary Aarati Mehra during

the press conference.

Mesquita said the party is against anything that is not in tandem with morality.

"BJP will never support the club," the spokesman said, adding that such a facility would not be beneficial for Goa's culture.

PB Franchisee had last year announced their plan to open a branch at Candolim beach as a part of the their nationwide plans to open 120 clubs, hotels, fashion cafes and shops in India over the next 10 years. State tourism minister Dilip Parulekar had postponed the reply on the club issue on the floor of the House yesterday, when it came in the form of a Calling Attention motion moved by Lobo during the ongoing Assembly session.

The Opposition Congress party too has expressed their reservation over Playboy club in Goa, claiming that it won't be successful in the state. All India Mahila Congress Committee (AIMCC) president Anita Verma told reporters today that tourists who arrive in Goa come here for peace.

"The concept like Playboy club will not work for the state of Goa," she said. The state's public should decide whether to allow or not permit to such a club here, she suggested.

The beaches of Goa attract 24 lakh tourists annually.