Naik is an individual, it is important what BJP feels
I will remain in social service as I belong to this society
— Pandurang Madkaikar, Former Congress MLA
HERALD: With a virtual revolt in BJP, how do you project yourself as a winnable candidate?
MADKAIKAR: The revolt is already over and it has already been published in newspapers that Sripad Naik does not have any problems if I am given a ticket. The issue is resolved and all BJP workers and supporters will work for me in the coming Assembly elections.
HERALD: How do you propose to deal with Siddesh Naik, who is clear that he will not back you as a candidate?
MADKAIKAR: Siddesh Naik is an individual. He’s not the party. He is a mandal president and under him there are several people working in different capacities and posts. Ninety per cent people have already started working for me and with their support, we have succeeded in having our melava in which we got good response. All are on the field now except Siddesh as he himself is interested in a ticket. The denial has upset him. However, the party machinery is well oiled and Naik’s being upset will not bother other members. They will work for the party candidate, for them it is immaterial who’s the candidate. Their loyalty towarss the party counts.
HERALD: Did you join BJP to escape from all the allegations and corruption cases against you?
MADKAIKAR: There is no substance in these allegations. The BJP had simply labelled these allegations on me. It was not even a charge. In politics, mostly when I was in the Congress, the BJP was making allegation on Congress and vice-versa. I joined BJP because the Congress at any cost will not be coming to power. BJP will form the next government and I and my workers want to be in power for development of my constituency, this is my clear intension of joining BJP.
HERALD: What are your links with the Ozone Group? It is clear that you are actively backing the project?
MADKAIKAR: I have never supported Ozone group. In fact, I had opposed the group in the assembly as well as in public. Just show me any statement which tantamounts to my suppporting them? I have always opposed this project. This project is in the Vashi Island and it does not come under Cumbharjua. It is far away from our constituency. This project is in the island and mostly local people who reside it is depend upon them whether they want it or not. If the masses oppose then I will be with them.
HERALD: Do you feel this project is good in such a sensitive area?
MADKAIKAR: I don’t know if this project is harmful for the people of that place. I have no idea of the project. If the masses don’t want it, they should oppose it and in that case I will be with them. If the people think it will affect them then they should oppose it.
HERALD: What are your future plans, if in case, you lose the elections?
MADKAIKAR: I will remain in social service and I will be with the people as I have come from the public and will be with the public.
Party stalwarts had said I have the potential to be candidate
As an individual, each person will have his/her opinion on Madkaikar. But as a mandal, we had totally opposed him.
— Siddesh Naik, BJP Cumbharjua mandal President
HERALD: Were you a ticket aspirant? Were you told about it by the party? Was there a hint?
NAIK: Yes, I was a ticket aspirant. Five years back I started my work in my constituency Cumbharjua and then one year back when new president was to be appointed, that time party leaders told me, including State BJP president, that I should take up the responsibility of the constituency mandal president. They also told me that they were looking at me as a probable candidate for 2017 polls and after this I took up the responsibility of the president and started work in Cumbharjua constituency.
HERALD: Were you informed about the induction of Pandurang Madkaikar into the BJP?
Naik: There were initial discussions between the party and the mandal on whether Madkaikar should be inducted and at that time most of the mandal workers had opposed this move. Later, we were told that the constituency mandal would be taken into confidence before taking a final decision on inducting Madkaikar but it was not done.
HERALD: What is your view on Pandurang Madkaikar? Is he a good candidate for Cumbharjua?
NAIK: For the last five years our mandal has been working against Madkaikar as in the Congress and people know what he has done in Cumbharjua, so I don’t want to comment on this. He should first clarify whose support he has. Is it that of the mandal or the common man.
HERALD: Will you contest as an independent or on an MGP ticket?
NAIK: My father’s advice is that I shouldn’t contest on a non-BJP ticket or as an Independent. My claim is still on a BJP ticket and I feel that the party should consider it and if I am denied a ticket, I have not yet decided on my future course of action.
HERALD: Do you feel your party cadre would be fully energetic and support Madkaikar?
NAIK: The entire party cadre as a mandal had opposed this decision of inducting Madkaikar but the resolution whether to supporting for him is yet to be decided. Last five years our mandal is working against Madkaikar and the Congress. Till now, I and my mandal have not decided on this issue and I would not like to comment on this.
HERALD: Will you campaign for Madkaikar in the coming Assembly elections?
NAIK: Entire party cadre as a mandal had opposed his induction. A resolution whether to campaign for him is yet to be decided. As an individual, each person will have his/her opinion. But as a mandal, we had totally opposed him.
