Herald: Is the Goa Forward actually going Forward. And why are you not officially lending your name to it, instead of getting a non political social activist to lead it
Vijai Sardesai: There is absolutely no doubt that Goa Forward is gaining ground. But you have to understand that Goa Forward is a movement that gives these proud Goemkars a voice. A movement that is led by the state ,for the state And that is why we do not have a branded politician heading GF but a highly qualified person who has been the State Election Commissioner and who has decided to take the plunge in the interest of Goa and Goans.
Herald: While admittedly grass-root programmes have been held and agitations undertaken, can you name, three other MLA’s, either independent or otherwise who will definitely be Goa Forward candidates
VS: GF is in the process of building up a groundswell of public opinion about the movement to take Goa forward. We have also commenced identifying candidates but the names will be identified only when the time is absolutely right. Our prime aim is to defeat the BJP which is selling Goa lock stock and barrel and all our moves will be coordinated to ensure this. Of course, I do not need to spell out that Rohan,(Khaunte) Naresh (Sawal) and I have already publicly announced our absolute commitment to take Goa forward.
Herald: From its inception and birth, Goa Forward has been dogged with the issue of who it will ally with. Your relationship with the GPCC president has been acrimonious. With the Congress actually meeting formally on Monday (tomorrow) to discuss mahagatbandhan (a grand alliance), where do you stand on this issue, without going in to the details of your differences with Mr Faleiro
VS: We sincerely believe that all possible alliances should be explored to ensure BJP’s defeat. The Congress should also realise the ground realities and respect the sentiments of the majority of the Goan electorate who are convinced that today’s urgent need is for all secular, liberal and progressive forces to ally. A mahagatibandhan/ grand alliance is the need of the hour and I am certain that the rational elements within the Congress will see light and make the right decision
Herald: Suppose the Congress rules out aligning with you, how many seats will you contest. And like we ask the Aam Admi Party, where are your credible candidates. Will you say the people will find them?
VS: (Avoids a direct answer) We believe in crossing our bridges when we come to them. The Congress will take such a decision of not aligning only at theirown peril and the Goan voter could very well reject the Congress totally if they do so. The Congress would do well to consult their grass root workers before deciding upon alliances rather than depend upon their so-called leaders who have been rejected at the polls
Herald: Is it a fact that you have met Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi regarding your future relationship with the Congress and they have asked you to join the party. And if so, what was your response
VS: I am in the process of consolidating the sentiments of Goans and I will, if need be discuss with the congress party leadership. But I have categorically stated that I cannot go back to the Congress and I stand by this statement of mine. I have realised that in Goa there is a huge disconnect between the High Command and the cadres and the people on the ground because of certain vested interests here. Hence the need for Goa to have its own high command
Herald: On three emotive issues all linked to goenkarpon what is your clear stand: a) Should Goa have off shore casinos b) Will you go back to the draft regional plan of 2021 and use it as the basis for a new plan and c) will you (as a party which has originated from South Goa) take a staring stand against the Mopa airport.
VS: GF is committed to erase the current trend of Goa being projected as the casino capital of India. We will start with capping the number of off-shore casinos and work towards promoting healthier avenues of tourism promotion. But the more immediate issue is of on-shore casinos. The RP 2021 is an issue that cannot afford to be taken lightly. But GF will invariably consider the RP as an instrument to treat all Goan land as an asset of all future generations of Goans. We will not consider Mopa as a fait accompli but we will, at the same time, approach the issue as an all-Goa party. We will not allow Mopa and any other such issue to divide Goans.
Herald: The Medium of Instruction issue has once again been sent to a 17-member committee. Do you agree that this is a cold storage tactic? Do you fully support the Goa Education bill which contains a provision for grants to the existing 131 diocesan schools. The bill has never been passed. Between the FORCE and the BBSM, who does Goa Forward support ion this issue
VS: GF believes that status quo should be maintained till a scientific solution is arrived at with a logical and rational approach and without falling prey to emotional and hysterical calls. We stress on quality of education and freedom of choice for students and their parents rather than the Govt deciding for them and imposing its will upon the citizens.
