‘If people are looking for a third front then MGP will be the only option’

Herald: Is MGP all set to go it all alone in the 2017 Assembly elections?

Deepak: We have not thought about it so far. The MGP and BJP leadership, who still have very good relations will decide. 

Herald:  Can the MGP be the third front?

Deepak:Definitely yes! If people are looking for a third front then the MGP will be the only option. But our first priority would be to continue our alliance with BJP. 

Herald: Where has the grassroot programme reached? 

Deepak: We have managed to get hold of over 25 constituencies, where we have established our strong base and are confident that if required to go alone, we would be able to get majority in the Assembly without any alliance. We already have over 50,000 members registered with us.We are aiming to get over one lakh members, and winning 21 seats. 

Herald: There have been allegations of MGP being a Hindu party. How do you react to this?

Deepak: The same was said about the BJP in 2012 Assembly elections, but they managed to get nearly three to four seats in Catholic dominated constituencies. We will make all efforts to reach out to the minorities. 

Herald: Public are unhappy with BJP-MGP govt. Your comments. 

Deepak:  When people elected our alliance, there were lots of expectations. There is slow progress towards delivering on people’s expectations and that is where people are unhappy. Since we are just two ministers in the government, we have not much power.