Many bar girls are threat to security: Patil

In what might easily be mistaken for Senaspeak, Patil told the Assembly that many girls employed in Maharashtra’s dance bars were suspected to be from other countries, especially Bangladesh. ‘‘Some 75 per cent of the girls are from other states and many from foreign countries,’’ he alleged. ‘‘STD calls made by them have been traced to Bangladesh.’’

The minister added ‘‘the general impression’’ is that girls migrating from poor countries like Bangladesh and Nepal take dance bar jobs, which offer ‘‘good money’’. A dancer can make upto Rs 25,000 a month.

Patil said this was not just a social problem but also ‘‘a security threat’’ to the state and country. He promised ‘‘stern action’’ against people involved in the business of bringing foreign girls to Mumbai’s dance bars.

Patil was reacting to criticism from Opposition leader Narayan Rane that the government’s decision to shut down dance bars outside Mumbai was a publicity stunt that did not think of those employed at the bars, including the girls.

‘‘Most of the girls work at the bars because they would not get any other employment,’’ said Rane. ‘‘Can the government give them any other means of livelihood?’’

Patil insisted he was conscious of his decision and CM Vilasrao Deshmukh had been consulted before announcing it in the Assembly. The decision was supported by almost all political parties but it’s evoked bitter reactions from bar owners.

Varsha Kale, president of the All India Bar Girls’ Union alleged that Patil was brandishing security threats just to stave off criticism. ‘‘We have never supported any criminals and never claimed that all the bar girls in the profession have a clean record,’’ said Kale.

The Union today began a dharna at Azad Maidan, protesting the government’s decision on dance bars.