Gopal Kanda
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A brief biography
Ajay Sura, Oct 26, 2019: The Times of India
The possibility of Sirsa MLA Gopal Kanda joining a BJP-led government in Haryana has led to widespread condemnation on social media.
Kanda drew attention after he was seen taking a charter flight along with Ranjit Singh, the Independent MLA from Rania, and BJP’s Sirsa MP Sunita Duggal. Later, he assured support to BJP in Haryana.
After this, speculation about Kanda joining the Haryana government as a minister spread and drew fierce criticism. The letter written by airhostess Geetika Sharma, who had allegedly committed suicide after harassment, was shared across social media platforms.
A small businessman in Sirsa, Kanda gradually expanded his business and opened a shoemanufacturing unit in Sirsa. He then shifted to Gurgaon, entered the realty sector and made millions. He was close to the Chautala family at one point. In 2007, he stunned everyone by launching his MDLR. In 2009, he was denied an INLD ticket so he contested as an Independent and won. He now heads Haryana Lokhit Party.
In 2009, Kanda purchased an offshore casino licence from Hotel Leelaventure and entered the casino business in Goa using the vessel MV Leela. He ran the casino under the brand “Casino Rio” from 2009 to 2011 on the Mandovi river. In 2013, the casino vessel was towed out of Mandovi by the Goa government as it was not operational. Later, he was granted permission by the Goa government to restart the casino. However, this took till 2018 when it reopened on the Mandovi under the brand “Big Daddy”. He paid around Rs 100 crore to the Goa government as dues and other fees to get the dice rolling offshore again.
(With inputs from Goa)
