PANJIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte seem to be speaking in different voices, even as a storm is brewing against the organization of Sunburn in South Goa. Sawant said the application has been received from organisers and is being considered, while Tourism Minister Khaunte said he cannot comment since the organisers have not approached him for permission. Meanwhile, the organisers have already called for registration for the show, on Book My Show and the location shows some place in Quepem as the likely venue for the EDM
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Sunday said that the Sunburn organisers have sought permission from the government to conduct the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) festival at a certain site.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of a programme, he said, “Sunburn is a private festival. I do not know why the Opposition is blaming the government for the private festival. This time they have announced to hold it in South Goa and have sought permission for the venue where they want to hold. The government will think over the request. They have applied for the permission.”
While Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said, Sunburn has not asked permission from his department. “Once Sunburn comes, we have people running around it. Earlier, they used to apply for permissions at the last minute so there was a problem. I have always been saying Goa is one. On the one hand people of South Goa are saying that by ‘doing politics’ on Dabolim and Mopa, South Goa has been kept aside. Till now they (Sunburn) have not come to me to ask for permission. So I cannot comment on Sunburn as of today. As and when they apply, I will talk about it,” he claimed.
Velim MLA Cruz Silva said, “I have already put a calling attention motion saying that the people of South Goa have objection to holding Sunburn festival. They have not asked for permission nor identified the place, but organisers have already started registrations. Govt said so far no permission is given. Because I am opposing it, I have put the calling attention motion.”
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai said, “Before bringing in any project, it is good to ask the people. I don’t know the details whether it is coming to the South or it will be held in the North, nor do I know the venue of the festival. To hold any event, it is better to consult the people. Even if it is a private event, there is need for logistics. Lakhs of people will come, where will the stay? What will they do? Are the locals in favour. In North Goa because of loud music, people have left their homes.”
