No ban on bikinis, but no drinking at public places: Goa CM

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday ruled out banning wearing of bikinis on the state’s beaches, a day after a minister in his government advocated such a measure, but said drinking of liquor in public places will be prohibited.

“Goa government does not favour banning bikinis on the beaches. But it should not create indecency,” Parrikar said while responding to queries about PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar’s demand to ban swimwear on beaches.

“Wearing bikinis should be banned on Goa’s beaches,” Dhavalikar had said in comments that would not have gone down well with hordes of foreign tourists who flock to the shores of the coastal state every year to soak up the sun.

“We should not allow girls with bikinis to enter public places because it very difficult to control people who arrive in Goa from different states. By the time a victim reaches the police, it is too late. It is better to control such type of activities on the beaches,” he had said.

Dhavalikar, whose Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party is an ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, had said even Chief Minister Parrikar was in favour of such a ban. “The CM knows it very well what I say. He has already started taking action against massage parlours. He will take up this issue (banning bikinis) in a different way to stop this nonsense,” he said.

Dhavalikar had earlier drawn flak for his remarks that young girls going to pub in short dresses was against Goan culture.

As Dhavalikar’s comments drew criticism from various quarters, Parrikar said no explanation has been sought from the minister. “We have not sought any clarification from him. It is his individual viewpoint,” the CM said.

Parrikar, however, said drinking in public places, including beaches, will not be allowed. “You cannot drink on the beaches. If you want to drink, do it in restaurant. You can’t drink on the road. Sometimes fights break out on the road after drinking and we can’t take action against anyone. But if the fight is in the bar, we can suspend the bar’s licence,” he said.