You had come close to win the South Goa seat in 2009, but lost by a whisker. How do you feel that the party has re-nominated you for the seat brushing aside strong claim made by party leader Damu Naik.
I was the party candidate in 2009 poll because of my work in South Goa as a general secretary since 1997 where we used to meet people and interact with workers to build the organisation. After I lost narrowly in 2009, we continued our good work. And we could reach out to people after the 2012 elections after the BJP returned to power. As far as Damu is concerned, he is my good friend and a party leader.
You make no mention of Modi in your campaign wherever you go, especially in the minority areas. Has Modi become a liability for Narendra Sawaikar? Or is it a tactical ploy not to antagonize the crucial minority vote? Comment.
Everyone knows that Narendra Modi is BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate. There’s no second thought about the same. Now, our campaign is focussed on development and achievement of the Goa government. We appeal to the people on the basis of development. People want a strong government in Delhi. The surveys show that the party would definitely form the government. Our agenda is clear – development.
The Congress is hit by rebellion on one hand and is facing opposition from non-Congress MLAs in its stronghold Salcete. Is Narendra Sawaikar better placed this time round compared to 2009?
Yes. In 2009, the BJP had just six MLAs in South Goa, but now our strength has gone up to nine. Besides, we have support of independents and supporting parties, taking the number of MLAs supporting my candidature to 15. Definitely, we are in a better position this time compared to 2009.
Your opponents have accused the BJP for trying to consolidate the Hindu vote and split the minority vote base to ride to power. Comment.
There’s no question of consolidation of the Hindu vote. Basically, any candidate contesting the election has to represent the five-lakh odd voters, including Hindus, Muslims and Catholics. We just go to the voters without looking at them as belonging to the majority or minority.
You leave no opportunity to promise special status for Goa and also address the issue of dual citizenship. But you are silent on scrapping of the Mopa airport opposed by a large section of people from South Goa.
I have always maintained that as far as Dabolim is concerned, many say the new terminal will cater to the needs for the next 30-40 years. That being the case, why bother about Mopa right now. The debate is on and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is yet to come. No one knows when Mopa will come. And I feel we should not bother ourselves with the question now.
What is your agenda before the people of South Goa?
Besides special status and dual citizenship for Goans, I will take up on top-most priority resumption of mining. I will lay stress on infrastructure development in tourism and will address issues concerning the environment.
No candidate other than from Salcete has won from South Goa. Will Narendra Sawaikar break the jinx.
Any voter from South Goa is entitled to contest the Lok Sabha poll. Every taluka has its own place and importance. Wait till May 16 for the result.
