Q: How has the response to the campaign of United Panaji Front been?
The response is fantastic. In fact, people have thanked us for giving them a second option as they view the other two panels as a single option. This campaign took Congressmen across the city from St Inez, Tonca, Mala-Fontainhas, Sao Tome, Bhattlem, Miramar, bus stand area, part of Altinho and in the heart of the city where issues of house tax, garbage management, street lighting, possible solutions to parking spaces occupied by casinos were discussed with those affected.
With the campaign coming to a close, would you say that breaking strongholds of the other two panels, which currently constitute the sitting CCP, was an uphill task?
Absolutely not. Don’t be surprised if our candidates make inroads into BJP bastions in Mala-Fontainhas and St Inez. Taleigao has also responded enthusiastically to our call and the response has been fairly warm in other parts of the city.
UPF’s manifesto has maintained stoic silence on casinos.
Shifting of casinos is an issue of the State. But in Panaji, especially areas like Sao Tome, traffic congestion and parking are the main issues. City tax can be levied on casinos and their entrance can be shifted to spots with better parking area and residents’ taxes can be rationalized by taxing the corporate.
Also, there is an imbalance in house tax and taxes levied on commercial establishments. We will reduce house tax by charging commercial establishments such as hotels, restaurants, casinos and others a city tax.
Do you think you have lost a mayor candidate in Congressman Surendra Furtado, who has years’ of experience in CCP and also as mayor?
Certainly not. A mayor does not necessarily require experience in CCP to be able to deliver. Simple example is Ashok Naik, who is undoubtedly the best mayor so far. But he did not have experience in CCP as such. Why can’t our fresh candidates emulate the same?
Post elections, when it comes to forming the Corporation, will UPF consider joining hands with any of the other two panels or will it go its own way?
We will not go in for coalition even if there are chances of ruling because that is not the end of this battle. Standing one’s principles and not letting the voters down will be our sole aim after getting elected.
