Goa sees battle over bikini

The Congress Saturday accused the government of trying to impose restrictions on women and using bikinis as a ruse to privatise beaches after a ruling party lawmaker demanded demarcation of private 'pay to enter' beaches where women would be allowed to wear bikinis.

"They are trying to impose restrictions on women by making these statements and curb their freedom," Congress spokesperson Durgadas Kamat told reporters Saturday.

Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) MLA Lavu Mamledar Thursday told the Goa legislative assembly that a "special bikini beach" should be set up along Goa's coastline with an entry fee of Rs.1,000 to Rs.2,000".

"The government will also get revenue," Mamledar said, adding that setting up such "bikini beaches" with paid entry would also encourage tourism. "Their real agenda appears to be to privatise Goa's beaches and make money," Kamat said.

Mamledar's ruling party colleague and Public Works Department minister Sudin Dhavalikar had first triggered a controversy last month when he demanded a ban on bikinis, mini-skirts and pubs in Goa because these were "against Indian culture".