Q. Why do you think the people of South Goa should vote for you again in the ensuing election?
A. I am confident people will re-elect me for the infrastructure and development works initiated in the last five years. Right from bridges to the passport office, the train service to Vailankani, reservation counter at Canacona, setting up of NIT in Cuncolim, the proposed IIT in Sanguem, I think South Goa has witnessed unprecedented development. Besides, I am one MP who is accessible to my constituents.
Q. The BJP campaign suggests that the party leadership is seeking votes more for Narendra Modi than for Narendra Sawaikar. Comment.
A. Ultimately, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the leader of the BP and the election is being fought under his leadership. Modi’s development is there for all to see. Modi is a world leader today. There’s nothing wrong if the party is seeking votes for Modi.
Q. You had crossed swords against your Congress rival Francisco Sardinha 10 years ago and lost the election. What makes you optimistic that you will retain the seat despite Sardinha’s presence in the fray?
A. In the last five years, I have been in regular touch with my constituents, my workers and people in general. I have been raising issues affecting my people in Parliament. I am optimistic of retaining the seat because I have really worked hard for my constituency and my people.
Q. The contentious issue of mining has come to haunt you and the BJP in the hinterland areas of South Goa. How will you convince the mining dependents to rally behind you?
A. One should understand that mining was stopped following a Supreme Court order in 2018. Since then, various efforts are underway to resolve the issue and ensure its early resumption. The Centre has now petitioned the SC to adjudicate and dispose of a decade-old issue before the apex court. I am sure that people will understand the work put in by the BJP to resume the activity. I am not into a blame game, but let me remind that the ECs were kept in abeyance when the Centre was ruled by the Congress.
Q. While the mining issue will dominate the election in the hinterland, the CRZ notification issued by the BJP-led Modi government has kicked up a storm along the coast.
A. As far as the CRZ issue is concerned, I do not think the notification is affecting the people of Goa. In my opinion, the apprehensions are built on certain presumptions. But, if there are real issues, then we can take a fresh look at the notification.
Q. Manohar Parrikar had virtually led your campaign in the 2014 Lok Sabha election. To what extent will his absence impact your campaign?
A. Manohar Parrikar’s absence will be certainly felt. He was a leader of tall stature. But, at the same time, Parrikar has left behind certain values and road map, which the party is following after his demise.
Q. The BJP leaders have almost abandoned Parrikar’s Mission Salcete. Your opponents say it is part of the party’s strategy to consolidate the Hindu vote towards the BJP.
A. Our mission is to win the seat with the support of the people of entire South Goa. Irrespective whether there’s Mission Salcete or not, I have been interacting with Salcete people at regular intervals.
Q. To what extent will the presence of Aam Aadmi Party benefit you in the election? Opponents say the BJP is banking on Elvis to split the minority vote.
A. In a democratic set-up, every individual and a political party have the right to contest elections. As a candidate, I welcome other candidates in the fray.
Q. What will be Narendra Sawaikar’s priorities for the next five years if re-elected in the April 23 election?
A. My first priority is to ensure that mining operations resume immediately with the support of the Centre. Secondly, my agenda will be to complete the infrastructure projects underway in South Goa. I plan to bring tourism-related schemes to Goa in the next five years to develop hinterland tourism, including eco-tourism, which will generate employment and support the livelihood of the inhabitants in the interior areas.
