You are once again contesting the elections, what are the issues you are taking up?
SHRIPAD NAIK: I thank BJP for allowing me to contest the election for the fourth time. The voters have knowledge about the issues we will be taking up, which includes unemployment, price rise, mining, etc.
BJP has shut down mining. What is your opinion?
SN: Public knows everything. They know who has shut mining activities. After Shah Commission report was tabled some NGOs went to Supreme Court, and SC banned all mining activities. Then the Congress govt withdrew the 84 NOCs without any reason. Due to these withdrawals mining has been halted, not because of BJP.
If mining restarts, how should it be implemented?
SN: Lots of Goans are involved in mining activities. Mining had given employment to lot of people. Mining has been going on for the past 60 years, there may have been few illegalities at that time,
How long will the packages for mining affected people be continued?
SN: It is difficult for the govt to give them compensation, but we are still giving it to them, even when we have less funds. As and when we earn revenue it will be disbursed to them .
Your opinion on Mopa
SN: Mopa is required 100 per cent. This issue is a temporary issue. Mopa is required, but along with Dabolim airport. Dabolim has to keep functioning and it will do so. Time will tell the need of Mopa. Presently, around 2500 charter flights want to land in Goa, but because of lack of infrastructure we are able to take in only 800 flights. If we want to raise tourism, then we have to take in the tourists. Another airport is required for Goa for the purpose. If Mopa comes up, then it may also be used as a cargo hub in the future. Mopa won’t have a negative effect on the tourism sector in South Goa, on the contrary, it (Mopa) will help increase the flow of tourists into Goa.
Opposition is saying that Mopa is being built for the benefit of the land mafia. Your opinion.
SN: Since the land and plateau is most suitable for building an airport, that land has been chosen. Every person has different opinion. People will be compensated for their land.
What are your expectations from Bicholim and Sattari talukas?
SN: People who are against Congress won’t vote for them. Lok Sabha and Assembly elections are vastly different from each other. Voters will choose who they want. And we are expecting to gain a lot of votes in this region.
Last time around you won with a margin of around 7000. Since there is a candidate from your Samaj, do you expect any vote division?
SN: Last time the situation was difficult and Congress was the ruling party in Goa and the Center. They were trying their best to defeat me, but because of the support of the voters I won once again, and I am thankful to them. People are almost certain that NDA will be coming to power at the centre, and if Shripad Naik wins, then he will definitely get a central post. If someone comes from the opposition, then he will have to sit in the opposition, which is a plus point for me.
What is the response you are getting from minority voters?
SN: Very good response. Wherever I have been, I have been getting a very good response from the minority voters. And I am thankful for their support. And please do come forward to vote on April 12.
Will the MGP support help you?
SN: Last time MGP was not with us and now they are with us. They are working along with BJP workers to help us attain more votes.
You have said that this will be your last elections. Do you have plans about entering State politics after that?
SN: I had said that I will think about it after the election process. To give chance to new people, I had said it. Since working as a MP for around 15 to 20 years is a lot of time. Decision will be taken at a later stage.
What are you doing to attract youth votes?
SN: Our govt is filling up the vacant posts. Lots of literate people are unemployed in the State. Banning sand extraction, etc, have put people in more difficulties. Employment generation is very important and to do so we have to start new companies because State govt can’t give all of them jobs. Hence, private companies should be brought.
If you win this time, what will be the issues you will take up?
SN: : If legal mining is started, lots of people will get jobs. Special status is another important issue. Zuari bridge. Bring in new industrial companies. Goa govt had asked for a package regarding mining, but central govt did not provide us with it. If we come to power we will bring this package and help compensate the mining affected people. Starting legal mining will be the foremost issue.
