In 2012, I contested as an Independent candidate and got elected. As BJP was in majority I decided to support the party keeping in mind the development of Bicholim constituency. But, as things turned out, I did not get any support from BJP.
Development of Bicholim is my utmost concern. I want everyone in my constituency to get the best. My political career is for providing basic facilities and creating an ideal atmosphere for good living. I know it's hard work, but I am ready for it to achieve this goal. I am always trying hard to achieve success.
During the Congress rule, I wasn't a MLA but single-handedly worked to bring and implement developmental projects like the parallel bridge across Bicholim river, full-fledged building for health center and a few other projects. Bicholim had been underdeveloped for the last 50 years as nobody was paying attention to the needs of the constituency. Therefore, I decided to contest the election and become an MLA. Ironically, I had to fight for developmental work before becoming an MLA and the fight still goes on as I am an Independent MLA now.
BJP and their leaders have taken Bicholim locals for granted. The government started to scuttle development projects in Bicholim as it feared that I would take credit for all work done.
MGP leader Sudin Dhavalikar in his capacity as PWD Minister always supported and cooperated with me in my endeavour for the progress of Bicholim. Water resource Minister Dayanand Mandrekar also helped me, as a result I was able to create some employment opportunities in my constituency.
I have now bowed to the wishes of my workers and will contest on the MGP ticket in the ensuing Assembly elections. Instead of continuing the fight for developmental projects, my workers asked me to take help of like-minded political party, and that's how I came in contact with MGP.
In this term I have done a lot of work for the progress of Bicholim -- hot mixing of roads, beautification of river bandhara, construction of temple halls, footpaths, inputs for development of agriculture, art, sports and in the cultural field. To create educational facility in rural areas, I decided to build an educational complex in Dodamarg but BJP government played politics over it and closed the road leading to the complex. BJP workers always opposed the government ground at Mankurem and government complex at Bicholim.
In fact, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar encouraged BJP workers to oppose development in Bicholim. My workers are my real strength and because of them I have completed five years as MLA. I am now ready to face the people as MGP candidate with dignity and I am sure voters from Bicholim will rally behind me.
When I was young, I entered the co-operative field. I was able to build the orgnaisation. While working for the cooperative, sports, art and other fields I got help and support from young friends and the society at large. When I realised that politics was a medium of social work, I took a plunge and for the first time problems of Bicholim were highlighted in the Assembly. I raised people's voice in the Assembly and relentlessly attacked the government for its failure. I withdrew my support to the Government and played my role as an opposition.
The time has come to teach BJP a lesson. I have full faith in my voters and I am confident they will once again elect me as their MLA.
