CCP Polls: Ami Panajekar Panel Files Nominations, Utpal Vows Crackdown on Casino-Linked Issues

Panaji: The upcoming elections to the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) gathered momentum on Tuesday as the Ami Panajekar panel formally filed its nominations, positioning itself as a reform-driven platform focused on urban governance, transparency, and accountability.

Leading the charge, Utpal Parrikar, son of former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, reiterated his commitment to address long-standing civic concerns in the capital city of Panaji. Speaking to the media after the nomination filing, Utpal emphasised that the CCP elections are about reclaiming the city’s administrative efficiency and restoring public trust.

One of the key issues raised by Utpal Parrikar during his address was the impact of offshore and onshore casinos operating in and around Panaji. He argued that while casinos generate substantial revenue for the State government, the capital city bears the brunt of the associated challenges — including traffic congestion, parking shortages, law and order concerns, waste management pressures, and strain on civic infrastructure.

Utpal demanded that the State government allocate a defined share of casino revenue directly to the CCP. “Panaji faces the direct consequences of casino-related activities. It is only fair that a portion of the revenue generated from these operations be earmarked for the city’s development and maintenance,” he said.

He further pledged a crackdown on alleged irregularities linked to casino operations, promising stricter monitoring of compliance with local regulations. The Ami Panajekar panel, he said, would work toward ensuring that civic norms are enforced uniformly and that urban planning decisions prioritise residents’ welfare.

The panel has also outlined plans to improve waste segregation, upgrade drainage systems, address road maintenance issues, and enhance public spaces. Transparency in municipal spending and citizen participation in decision-making were highlighted as core priorities.

Political observers note that the CCP polls are likely to be closely watched, given Panaji’s symbolic and administrative importance. With multiple panels and independent candidates in the fray, the elections are expected to witness a competitive contest.

As the nomination process concludes, campaigning is set to intensify in the coming days, with urban governance, casino regulation, and sustainable development emerging as central themes in the battle for control of the city’s civic body.