Herald: How is BJP looking at the formation of the new party – Goa Forward?
Mesquita: It is looking at it like any other seasonal party. It is a special party formed for specific forward people. The party is amongst those seasonal parties that mushroom during the election period. I presume that Goa Forward will have a worse fate as compared to Seva Goa. Though the new regional party claims it is here to oust BJP from power, their views and our views are similar on many issues.
Herald: Similar views? So you mean to say that it will be a major threat for the BJP in the coming election?
Mesquita: Even though I say we have similar views, our party is under no threat from anyone. Like us, Goa Forward also wants a scientific solution to MOI and is happy with the government approach towards the Regional Plan. Irrespective of this, BJP, being a well organized party with its strong cadre base, it doesn’t see any threat or benefit out of this new party formation. In fact, BJP’s work in the last four years itself is enough to fight election and it doesn’t have to depend on any seasonal parties to work in their favour. Such parties can never harm BJP.
Herald: So does that mean BJP will sail smoothly despite the new regional outfit being backed by three Independent MLAs, having a stronghold in their own constituencies?
Mesquita: Yes definitely! BJP was initially confident of winning 26 seats on its own. With the formation of a new party, the number will go up to 29 seats. It is very clear that the party will have no standing during the 2017 Assembly election, as they don’t have any clear cut direction. If they think that just on one single issue (the coconut one), people are going to vote for them, then they are foolish.
Herald: How will it affect the Congress?
Mesquita: As of now, I am confused as to whether the new party will divide Congress votes or not. See, people always vote for a party and its symbol and not an individual. It is in rare cases that you find an individual winning the election. And Congress has a symbol known to people.
