3 BJP MLAs back govt on Sunburn, one opposes it

Panaji: Govt appears to be grappling with internal fissures over the proposal to hold Sunburn at Dhargal. While backing the electronic dance music (EDM) festival, ministers Sudin Dhavalikar and Ravi Naik put the ball in the chief minister’s court, but Pernem BJP MLA Pravin Arlekar made it clear he is staunchly against the mega event.
Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar has also backed Dhargal as the venue for Sunburn, making the situation additionally tricky. Arolkar said that since Goa is a tourist state, there is a need for an EDM festival.
Arlekar held a meeting with councillors, panchs and others to check if there was support for Sunburn. “There was a good response with municipality councillors and the sarpanchs of all the villages joining. I asked them to write down if they were in favour of or against Sunburn. Once I say no, I will stand by what I say,” said Arlekar.
While he may believe he has a say in the matter, senior cabinet member Dhavalikar has made it clear the decision lies with govt.
“I stay away from Sunburn, but this is a govt decision and nobody can challenge it. When govt takes a decision, no one can challenge it,” said Dhavalikar. His cabinet colleague from Ponda shared his stance.
“The CM is capable of making a decision regarding Sunburn,” said agriculture minister Ravi Naik.
Sunburn is slated to be held at Dhargal from Dec 28 to 30 on private land owned by Delta Corp. The Dhargal panchayat has granted conditional approval to Spacebound Web Labs Pvt Ltd, the organisers of Sunburn. The tourism department has yet to grant approval.
“We need an EDM festival because Goa is a tourism state and we need tourists to come. Where it should be held is a question for govt and the local people,” said Arolkar. Months earlier, he had said Sunburn should not be held in Pernem.