GPCC chief: Let Delhi decide, I can talk to Vijai, others

Q: An impression has been gaining ground amongst the party rank and file for some time that a change in the GPCC guard will bring about a change in the government. Comment. rSHANTARAM: All I want to say at this moment is that the Congress will not pull down the BJP-led government. We will not play any role to bring about the government’s downfall or topple the government. But, I am certain that the government will fall under its own weight. I want to make it clear the Parrikar government in most likelihood collapse under its own weight. rrQ: You share a close rapport with some members of the coalition partners, including Vijai. It is reported in political circles the Goa Forward party supremo holds you in high esteem and you were kind enough in sanctioning crores of projects in Fatorda under your MPLAD scheme. rSHANTARAM: I do not want to deny the fact that I share rapport with members of the coalition parties, including Goa Forward party supremo Vijai Sardesai. And, it is a fact that I had sanctioned a number of projects for Fatorda constituency under the MPLAD scheme. rrQ: You have repeatedly stated that BJP had lost people’s mandate since the time of Zilla and Municipal elections, and now the Assembly election too. What steps will you take to restore the mandate of the people? rSHANTARAM: I am pretty certain that the mandate of the people will soon be restored. But, I would like to clarify here that I am not saying that the 2017 election mandate will be restored by pulling down the government. All I want to say is the government will collapse under its own weight. rrQ: There’s been criticism in the party that the local Congress leadership had been going slow in taking on the Parrikar government over various issues. How would you go about in taking on the BJP-led coalition? rSHANTARAM: I would not like to comment on what happened in the past. But, I would like to make it clear that I would not spare the government if it comes to our notice that it is working against the interests of Goa and Goans. People of Goa have observed in the recent past disturbing instances wherein people from outside the state have been making provocative statements to disturb the peace and amity in the state and getting away with it. The government headed by Manohar Parrikar did nothing to restrain these people. rrQ: The Congress has been hit by factionalism. It is said that though the party received a mandate from the people, factionalism cost the party power post 2017 Assembly election. Comment. r rSHANTARAM: I would not like go into the past, but I would like to look forward to strengthen the organization by taking all the party leaders and workers into confidence. I enjoy very good relations with various party leaders and I will put this to build the organization. rrQ: You may soon face the acid test to your leadership with bye-election for the Panjim and Valpoi seats scheduled to take place by September. rSHANTARAM: All I can say at this juncture is that the party has the candidates to contest both the Panjim and Valpoi seats. And, I can say that the party will go all out to win the two seats.