Politics is not about victories and losses, says Arlekar

PERNEM rrArlekar, who lost the last Assembly elections from Pernem constituency, feels politics should not be limited to victories and losses in panchayat, ZP and assembly elections. r“I have never entered politics just to contest elections and to get elected. Such thoughts never come to my mind. I want to fulfill the responsibility given to me by the party and preserve its interest. I am a true BJP worker and for me politics is only a means to take forward the party and its work to the people,” said Arlekar while speaking to The Goan. rArlekar, who is a petrol pump dealer and is also chairman of an agriculture higher secondary school at Nagzar-Pernem, is still analysing the reasons that led his defeat in the Assembly polls, but is not upset over the loss. r“I am finding out the reasons behind my defeat. Though I had guided my party workers, some did not support me openly. But victory and defeat are part of life and are seen in all fields, so why should politics be any different? If someone experiences defeat, doesn’t mean he should quit politics.” rArlekar had earlier won the 2002 elections from Vasco, only to lose in 2007. He then returned to victory in the 2012 elections from Pernem constituency, but lost in February this year. rArkelar admitted that the time off as a legislator has enabled him to focus on his personal activities. r“When I was MLA, minister and speaker, I had neglected my business and my family. Now, I have the time to focus on all these and also carry forward the party’s work to the people. I may have been defeated in the polls, but I still make efforts to improve my public relations,” he added. rAsked if had scaled down his social involvement in Pernem following his loss, Arlekar replied: “I am still active in Pernem and my office is open to public every Tuesday and Thursday. I continue to visit people along with my supporters to listen to their grievances.” r“Although I am defeated, I haven’t lost contact with people. They still visit me with their grievances and I try and solve them. Their works and problems can be addressed easily without being in power because our party led by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is in power,” Arlekar said. rThe former minister is optimistic about his role in the party and his intention to contest the 2022 polls. “The BJP has given me the responsibility to spearhead the Deen Dayal Birth Centenary celebrations and organising various programmes in the state. Planning of various programmes and bringing party workers together is underway and I had recently visited New Delhi for party-related work.” r“I am determined to contest the 2022 assembly election, which is very crucial for me. My goal is not only to get elected in the elections, but to get the party elected to power,” stated Arlekar.