PANAJI
Goa State Congress chief, Amit Patkar said his party which is fighting both the Goa seats on behalf of the INDIA bloc, will retain the South and win the North Goa seat on the back of their fight against a dictatorial Modi regime and people's disenchantment with the governments both at the Centre and in the State.
THE GOAN: What is the agenda your party is going to the people with, for Goa and national (2-3 major points both national and State level).
AMIT PATKAR: Five guarantees for youth, women, farmers, marginalised sector and OBC/SC/STs are our main commitments at the national level.
In the State, we will ensure that the identity of Goa is protected and scrap the three linear projects, stop coal transportation, take immediate steps to resume mining, create employment opportunities and restore people's faith in democracy and administration.
TG: Isn't the delay in finalising candidates a colossal failure on your part? Why the delay?
AP: Candidates are finalised with a political strategy. We are fighting elections to form government at the Centre by defeating the dictatorial Modi government. Intezar ka Fal Meetha hota Hai!
TG: Fighting and winning elections is a lot dependent on having a robust party organisation working on the ground to mobilise supporters and voters. Compared to the BJP, your party strength is no match. How do you view this reality and what measures are up your sleeve to overcome this weakness?
AP: Your question gives me a feeling that either it is framed on advice of BJP or without proper study. How can you say that our party strength is no match for BJP? We existed in pre-Independence and pre-Liberation time and fought for India and Goa. We are on ground fighting to save democracy and protect Goa.
TG: What do you think are your chances. Please give objective reasoning.
AP: We are retaining South Goa seat and winning the North Goa seat. People have lost faith in the Government. People are worried about their hard earned money and valuables. This fear is developed after State Bank of India lied before Supreme Court on time needed for submitting Electoral Bonds data. People have realised that Modi is controlling everything. People will do silent voting this time. Even hardcore BJP workers will not vote for BJP candidates.
