I am the only fit Congman: Surendra
Surendra Furtado is the Mayor of Panjim. He has been a long time Congress contender for the Panjim Assembly seat and has even contested as an independent once. He speaks to VIBHA VERMA on his plans to contest from Panjim
HERALD: Are you contesting the Panjim assembly by polls?
SURENDRA: Yes. I am the only man (in the Congress) who is the sitting Mayor for a long term and who starts with 2,500 votes. Which other Congressman can achieve this?
HERALD: There are contenders from the BJP, and Babush Monserrate, who has said that he would resign from Congress and contest as an Independent. What are your chances against them?
SURENDRA:I am in the field for 25 years and have supporters from across party lines. I am not selfish. I have done public work. Being in the opposition (in CCP) I have developed two wards in Miramar. I have kept the city clean without the government giving me a dumping site. I have successfully got Rs 150 crore under the JNNURM by knocking on all possible doors. The amount was later distributed with Rs 100 crore for setting up solid waste management plant and Rs 20 crore for upgrading and developing St Inez creek. Unfortunately, government has done nothing in the last eight months despite me making efforts to get the amount sanctioned. I have also brought discipline in the CCP market, brought the lease agreement issue to a logical conclusion and most importantly, got through pay parking in the city. The decision will get endorsement in the next meeting.
HERALD: What will be your agenda for the upcoming Assembly by-polls?
SURENDRA: My agenda is to make Panjim like any other Western city. The Detailed Project Reports are ready and it not a big thing to carry forward the project as an MLA. I have done a lot by just being a Mayor. One should have the will and zeal to accomplish the mission, and I have committed to it. I don’t want people to suffer.
