the goan I network
Margao
Q: People say Vijai is now exposed. Two years ago, you had told Goans that you extended support only to Parrikar and not BJP. Parrikar is now no more, but you are still supporting BJP. Comment.
Vijai: One of the reasons we supported Parrikar then was to make sure we had a stable government. The situation with the Opposition which was bad then has now become worse with their numbers dwindling. We cannot afford to tinker with stability which is critical for the development.
Q: Your support to Pramod Sawant as head of the coalition govt has thrown up a host of questions.
Vijai: The only question is whether the government can deliver without Parrikar at the helm. That’s what we will work towards and ensure we offer a progressive, efficient government to the people. Q: Sawant had made some disturbing statements aimed at minorities last year and you had reportedly taken up the issue with Parrikar. Comment
Vijai: Such statements have also been attributed to Parrikar too, but his model of inclusive development that he subsequently developed has become a blueprint across India & shows no signs of such prejudice or bias. We all know, in Goa we have to take everybody along, and that’s what we will all do. Besides, we have described ourselves as the watchdogs for all especially the minorities And, that we’ll continue to be. Nothing has changed.
Q: In 2017, you had gone to town stating you had brought Parrikar from Delhi to head the coalition. Did you have any preference for CM candidate this time round or did you simply accept the candidate foisted by BJP?
Vijai: The leadership question in BJP has nothing to do with me. They elect their leader which, given the circumstances was not an easy task. Dr Sawant has been my colleague and we will work together in the spirit of Goemkarponn, with our aspiration to make ‘Goa the center of the world and Goemkar the center of Goa’.
Q: We are told that Delhi-based Congress leaders were in touch with you in the last couple of days. Comment.
Vijai: In politics everybody calls up everybody. Nothing new or news worthy in it.
Q: Many a question is being asked by the people of Goa about arrangement of having two DyCMs for a small state like Goa.
Vijai: The Congress had set a precedence with two DyCMs during their rule. So there’s nothing new in the new government going for the arrangement of having two Dy Chief Ministers.
Q: When Amit Shah had offered you the DyCM post two years ago, you had declined it. What made the alliance partners insist on the post in a post Parrikar situation?
Vijai: At that time, Parrikar was at the helm and that made a difference in the structure of the government. In the current political situation such arrangements are necessary as they facilitate equitable sharing of responsibilities and ensure balance of power and thus safeguard stability of the government.
