Sankranthi Special: Casino In Gannavaram!

Sankranthi is all about the Bhogi fire, traditional delicacies, rooster fights and Tollywood hungama in theatres. Taking this next level, the YCP government deserves credit for introducing Casino culture in Andhra Pradesh. Last year on the eve of Sankranthi, the casino culture was brought to AP by Casino King Chikoti Praveen at the best interest of ex-minister Kodali Nani.

This year is no exception and the same scene repeated this time in Gannavaram. Arrangements are being made for large-scale rooster fights and casino in Ampapuram village of Bapulapadu mandal in Gannavaram constituency. Around 16 acres of land which is adjacent to the Vijayawada-Eluru National Highway is going to be the hot-spot for these events.

According to preliminary estimates, this huge casino is expected to receive up to one lakh visitors. However, to step into this casino one needs to have a pocketful of money. There is no entry for ordinary people and for just viewers.

The event organisers are offering two types of VIP passes for interested people. The first grade pass price is decided as Rs.60,000. The lower grade VIP pass is priced at Rs.40,000. For people who have VIP passes, food, liquor and bed along with all the amenities will be provided within the camp from January 14th to 16th.

Anyone going inside will have to hand over their phones at the counters at the entry gate. The weights were prepared for the rooster fights. These arrangements are unprecedented and one gets an impression that they are in Goa.

For security, 200 specially trained bouncers from Hyderabad were brought to supervise the arrangements here. It is said that more than 1500 rooms have been booked in hotels at Hanuman Junction for the guests.

Although there is a huge criticism of last year’s casino events, this year is no less. The manner in which arrangements were made are causing a stir.