What are some key achievements during your previous tenure as MP?
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We had gone with an agenda to the people during our last term and we have delivered. Today, we have seen tremendous developments in South Goa in the form of infrastructure, highways, roads, bridges etc., which are unprecedented and these are some of the major achievements taken up in the last five years.
Secondly, we are getting the IIT to Sanguem, the NIT is also sorted and is coming up in Cuncolim. The Passport Office has opened up in Margao, which will be beneficial to residents of South Goa and these are other major accomplishments we have taken up in the last five years.
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With the MGP now declaring its support to the Congress candidate, how confident are you of winning in South Goa?
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This election is a national election and it is to decide the future of the country by electing the government at the centre. The election will decide the right prime minister to run the country and considering this situation, Goan voters are wise and intelligent enough to choose the right person.
We know that people have seen the developments and are fully in favour to re-elect the present government back to power at the Centre, while electing both the BJP LS candidates in Goa. We are confident that we will be elected once again at the Centre and we will win both BJP LS seats in Goa.
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The BJP is not perceived to be a secular party among the sizeable minority community in South Goa. How do you address this issue when you go campaigning for the LS polls?
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I think no religious institution should be misused and we have to safeguard the communal harmony of the country and the state as we move forward. Our slogan also is "Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas" and this itself is a mantra. We should not be divided by caste and religion. I have got a tremendous response and I don't think the people who I have met have looked upon us as a communal party or some party that is not secular.
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Has the demise of former chief minister Manohar Parrikar and the noticeable absence of coalition partners affected your poll campaign?
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The demise of Manohar Parrikar has created a huge void and vacuum in our campaigning, which is felt by us and the people as well. This is the first election that he is not around and he has made major contributions to the Goa BJP. We are going ahead with his blessings and I am sure his blessings will always be with us.
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What are some of your priorities for South Goa?
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Our agenda is very clear. We are looking forward to uninterrupted development and a progressive government. We have a strong vision for the country and state and we have put forth our vision to voters during campaigning.
Tourism has to be developed and taken into remote areas and villages of Goa. We are looking forward to employment generation and we also look forward to invite soft non-polluting industries for employment generation.
We are also trying to resolve mining issues and ensure the livelihood of dependents and to safeguard workers of MPT.
