Herald:What you feel is the genesis of the feeling of discontent among BJP workers Vishnu Wagh: Workers from all over the State may have varying opinions over the way the government is functioning. Maybe our workers have had different experiences and would like to bring them forth. But the fact is that the MGP has been our pre-election partner. MGP and BJP together fought the elections. And it is because of this strength and confidence that the people gave a thumping majority to the coalition. At that time questions were raised, as when we were criticizing the Congress on family raj, why we were supporting the family raj of the MGP as 2 brothers are contesting? But our logic was that this was the MGP’s internal matter.
Herald: Then why do you feel this issue arose?
Vishnu Wagh: This thing has its roots in the inherent fears that the MGP base is in Ponda Taluka.
This taluka has 4 seats. And out of that, 3 are with MGP – Priol, Madkai and Ponda. Only Shiroda is with BJP.
Once upon a time, Ponda taluka was the place which gave first gave a boost to BJP. So there were lot of BJP workers who were in the party for the long time. Now with power the centre currently having shifted to MGP, these voters are being alienated.
Maybe they are looking for those golden days again.
Herald: In your personal view, what is the relevance of the MGP? Does BJP need MGP?
Vishnu Wagh: I think so. By and large the MGPs foundation is still there in certain areas.
There are still people who owe their allegiance to the BJP. And it was the wishes of those people that forced us to have the coalition.
Otherwise we could have gone alone and we might have succeeded also. But the alliance gave solidity to the whole scenario.
Herald: Has the BJP Shiv Sena break-up in Maharashtra spark off the feeling among workers that its best way to consolidate one’s own party?
Vishnu Wagh: First we will have to wait for Maharashtra results. It was an experiment done to gauge our own strength. Immediately, after elections we will come to know where everybody stands.
The Shiv Sena was our first partner. They were the first partners who gave a helping hand to the BJP.
They were partners for 25 years. Now suddenly there is bad blood.
But if this decision fails, then it would mean that BJP should not snap the ties, as per logic.
