PONDA
Q: The MGP is part of the coalition government, but the BJP is in no mood to support your party at the panchayat level. In the Volvoi panchayat, the BJP-backed panchas refused to support a woman panch backed by the MGP to become sarpanch on Monday.
Sudin Dhavalikar (SD): What has happened is not good and I will speak to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar about this issue. We are coalition partners and they (BJP) should accept our panch. The MGP will also write to the chief minister to resolve this issue. If he replies negatively, we will decide our plans.
Q: But what will you do if he refuses to address MGP’s grievances?
SD: Such politics takes place at the panchayat level. By refusing to second the nomination of a woman panch, the BJP-backed panchas are taking away right of women empowerment as the Volvoi sarpanch’s post is reserved for women. This is not acceptable. The chief minister had once said in the assembly that a new law should be formulated to avoid such situations. With this incident, the need to formulate such a law is the need of the hour.
Q: But BJP leader Vishwas Satarkar said the BJP would not support the MGP candidate.
SD: How can Satarkar make such statements when he knows we are coalition partners? There should be some compromise. Even our leaders Deepak Dhavalikar and Lavu Mamledar were harassed by BJP supporters. But we did not refuse support to the BJP to form the government. We supported them by overlooking those grievances.
Q: Do you welcome scrapping of Outline Development Plan for Ponda?
SD: Of course, now the illegalities will be opened. There are many illegalities in this area and since no one complained, it never came to light. Now, the new ODP will reveal the truth.
Q: Are you happy with Common Minimum Programme launched by government?
SD: Yes, because it has addressed those issues raised by us, be it the Tenancy Act or interest waiver on agriculture loans up to Rs 1 lakh. Farmers can now pay only the principal amount.
Q: The Goa Forward Party (GFP) has been taking credit for influencing the government on the CMP. With GFP going forward, is the MGP’s influence in State politics on the wane?
SD: See, MG Party is oldest regional party in Goa. People know those issues we have always raised and our work for Goa. Our value and influence will never decline in the State.
Q: Are you happy with NDA’s choice of Ram Nath Kovind as its presidential candidate?
SD: I am happy Kovindji has been nominated by the BJP for this highest post. First, he is a very calm person and hails from the SC community. I congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah for choosing the right person.
