RAHUL MHAMBRE (AAP)
MAPUSA CONSTITUENCY
The Goan: In one sentence, why should people vote for you?
Rahul Mhambre: This is the first time people have got a passionate Mhapsekar who has got a vision document and action plan to deliver what has not been done for the last 20 years.
The Goan: If you are part of the government, which is the first legislation you would like to pass in the assembly?
RM: A legislation to strengthen the Lokayukta. This government has withdrawn all the powers of the Lokayukta. Corruption has reached its peak because the Lokayukta has been made toothless. So our first agenda is to give overriding powers to curb corruption.
The Goan: Which is that one leader outside your party that you admire as a politician and why?
RM: I have always been inspired by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi because he gave us the weapon of non-violence. In contemporary politics I admire Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Indira Gandhi. Vajpayee, for his vision to establish the Golden Quadrilateral national highway network in India and Indira Gandhi for her tough and decisive leadership. In Goan context, I admire Bausaheb Bandodkar for his vision in 1961 to empower the land tillers and the push for education at primary level in villages.
The Goan: Who would be your CM choice, should your party come into power?
RM: Amit Palekar is our CM candidate.
The Goan: Do you justify a merger by 2/3rd or do you consider it as a move against the mandate of people? Explain.
RM: It is always against the mandate of the people. Because when people vote, they vote with the hope that this person will do good for you. They prefer you against the other candidates and trust you with their vote for the next five years. There should be no room for defection. Anyone who defects should be debarred for at least next two terms.
The Goan: Do you feel the 2022 election will throw a clear winner? Who are your top three finishers along with seats they are likely to win.
RM: It is for the people to decide. What could not be achieved in 60 years was done by the Aam Aadmi government in Delhi. They have shown the way and they can also deliver in Goa and I hope and expect the people of Goa to vote for AAP.
