MARGAO
Q. How do you rate the chances of sitting MP Narendra Sawaikar this time?
A. His position is improving by the day. As present, I feel he cannot lose. This is based on my assessment after going around the constituency, connecting and discussing with people.
Q. But, the MGP’s decision to support the Congress may come as a dampener to the party with just 10 days to go for the election.
A. The MGP leaders have been known to be rank opportunists. People of Goa know what the regional party is all about. But, I am confident that the people of Goa will not fall prey to their machinations and will rally behind our sitting MP Narendra Sawaikar.
Q. The BJP had led over the Congress in all the four Assembly segments of Mormugao taluka. This feat was repeated in the 2017 Assembly election too when the party won all the four seats. How do you rate the chances this time?
A. The BJP will not only maintain its winning streak in the four seats of Vasco, Mormugao, Dabolim and Cortalim, but the margin of victory in these four seats will double this time. I am making this statement based on my assessment of the ground reality.
Q. What role are you playing in wooing the minority voters in Catholic-dominated Salcete? The party seems to have abandoned Mission Salcete post-Parrikar era.
A. First of all, I believe that the BJP is no more communal. Whether it was under former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar or otherwise, we have never felt any difference. I see no reason why the minorities should feel that they are alienated when the dynamics are centered on development. I am certain the minorities, whether in Salcete or outside, will vote for the party. But, I am aware that minorities outside Goa may have certain apprehensions, but this situation will be rectified in the near future after Narendra Modi returns as PM.
Q. Will the result of the Lok Sabha poll have any bearing on the coalition government?
A. I only want to say that there will be no bearing on the coalition government when the BJP will win both the seats in Goa and when Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns back much stronger with more seats. In this scenario, Goa will also benefit in terms of development and when I mean development, it is inclusive growth and development.
