Extortion government: Kejriwal says Goa CM must apologise to people over club fire

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal launched a scathing attack on Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, saying the least the BJP leader could do is apologise to the people for the nightclub fire that killed 25, including tourists.

The AAP supremo alleged that the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub was operating without any licence or permission by bribing the BJP government, calling it an “extortion government”.

“The BJP's Pramod Sawant government is an extortion government. Twenty-five people died in the Arpora nightclub. This club had been operating for a year without any licence or permission because they were paying hafta to the BJP government,” the former Delhi Chief Minister said.

He added, “The nightclub owners fled India overnight. By paying money to the BJP government, anything can be done”.

Speaking at a public meeting in South Goa, Kejriwal called for greater accountability from the state government, demanded an apology from the Chief Minister, and urged him to address the alleged failures in oversight.

“I want to ask Pramod Sawant: tell me one activity that happens in Goa without bribing officers. This is perhaps the most corrupt government, and the least the Chief Minister could do is apologise to the people of Goa for the Arpora incident and ensure safety in all establishments,” he added.

According to the AAP leader, the nightclub where the tragedy unfolded on December 6 was operating without an occupancy certificate, trade licence, building permissions, or other required licences.

“Without building permissions, they still got electricity and water connections. The local panchayat had ordered demolition of the structure a year ago, yet the club continued to operate,” he alleged.

No one can believe that the Pramod Sawant government was unaware of these violations, he said, adding that the owners, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, were “made to flee” the country after the incident.

- Ends

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