Herald: There are apprehensions raised in political circles over whether the alliance between the BJP and MGP would take place or not. Your views?
Vinay: The MGP has said that the alliance between the two parties would take place about two months before the elections. There are various issues between the two parties which need to be discussed and I think those will be sorted out and the alliance would happen again.
Herald: A couple of days earlier, MGP leader Sudin Dhavalikar said that the alliance would be subject to decision on MOI. What do you have to say about that?
Vinay: Well yes, the MGP now says education at primary level should be only in the mother tongue but a few days back they had stated publicly that parents need to be given a choice so they have to be sure what they want. Secondly, on MOI, I know so many people (including those in BBSM) who are now fighting for the mother tongue have sent their children to top English schools in the state.
Herald: But would the BJP agree for a roll-back of grants to English schools as demanded by the MGP for alliance?
Vinay: Well, alliance talks do not depend on just one issue. There are around 10-12 issues which are discussed and at times there is no unanimity on every issue and hence some issues remain unsolved. Hence, I do not think the MOI issue will have an effect on alliance talk.
Herald: But don’t you feel of late there have been a lot of issues between the two parties which could be detrimental to the alliance talks?
Vinay: I realize you are referring to issues in Ponda. I say yes and I feel it is because the BJP block in Ponda is very strong, organising a lot of programmes like mahila divas, breast cancer awareness, eye check up camps etc. This has somewhat made the MGP unit uncomfortable. But I think there is nothing to worry. Both parties are expanding bases. But let me make it clear we have an alliance and we are committed to it and hence there is nothing to worry.
Herald: If you are so optimistic on the alliance, then why are the leaders of both parties involved in mudslinging?
Vinay: There are no issues from our side. We have followed the coalition dharma, we have never made any statement against the MGP but it is only their party leader Lavoo Mamledar who has been continuously speaking against the BJP. For example, he says Ponda has been neglected by the BJP on a developmental front but on the other hand, on Wednesday at a function he said development work worth Rs 600 cr has been carried out. Also, it was staff and workers of Lavoo who had burnt the effigy of South Goa MP Narendra Sawaikar and I think this should not happen when you are in an alliance with another party.
