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Dhavalikar: Correct, we had some tension in 2007 as we could only win two seats. But now, we have no stress. In this term, we have three seats and it will increase to 5-7 in the next Assembly elections. Even our polling percentage in the next polls will surge.
Dhavalikar: See, MG Party has a history since Goa got its Liberation. We have to keep this regional party alive and also its symbol. Hence to retain it, we shook hands with BJP. We did it for the party and not for us.
Dhavalikar: It is not like that. We have undertaken work in many constituencies and are strengthening our party. We know our strengths.
Dhavalikar: Yes, we are working in many constituencies where BJP has their MLAs. The one who criticizes should understand that we are in alliance, and if we attract new members in those constituencies then obviously it will help the alliance. After all, a vehicle with tyres punctured on one side cannot go ahead. We have our work being carried out in 22-25 constituencies. As a party, we have to grow.
Dhavalikar: I didn’t feel humiliated over that issue. The BJP must have felt that Mahadev Naik can deliver better than me, so they gave him that portfolio. Don’t you feel that MLAs in BJP also feel humiliated over certain issues? (smiles). It depends on every individual how to face such tests. We are in this field to serve society, hence we have to be prepared to sacrifice in such circumstances.
Dhavalikar: (smiles) There are possibilities that four constituencies in Goa may be reserved for ST. If my Priol constituency gets reserved for ST, then I will have to shift to Shiroda.
Dhavalikar: (Serious) You see, if I have to continue my political career, I have to contest from a constituency where we have a stronghold. I find this stronghold first in Shiroda and second in Cumbarjua. I prefer Shiroda. Let the BJP high command decide if any situation as such arises.
Let us wait for that moment…. (smiles again)
Dhavalikar: We will not demand the seats. But I am sure that they will give us 12-15 seats. They know we have respected the alliance dharma, and hence their conscience may give us the seats without us demanding for it.
Dhavalikar: I don’t think so. He will win seat a second time from Ponda. Apart from Sudin Dhavalikar, Lavu Mamledar and myself, we will also win Dabolim and St Cruz constituencies. Victories in these constituencies are certain.
Dhavalikar: It is not about being optimistic, but we have respected the alliance and we feel that it should be continued. My first preference is to continue this alliance.
