The Goan (TG): By when can we expect the Congress-backed secular label to release its manifesto?
Pandurang Madkaikar: The manifesto will be released once we announce the panel on February 9, first day of filing nominations. Our assurances, unlike those made by the existing panels time and again, will be feasible and hence, will be fulfilled. We will highlight the failure of the existing corporators in fulfilling their promises.
TG: What will be the highlights of your manifesto?
Madkaikar: We will highlight the developmental agenda. Stress will be laid in issues plaguing Panaji such as casinos, St Inez creek, garbage management and so on.
TG: Where does the Congress-backed panel stand on issue of smart city project?
Madkaikar: Everybody is supporting the smart city project. We want it too.
But it is important that the people should know what the project is about. Vagueness cannot persist for long in this regard. We want to give people what they want.
I admit that Rs 500 crore is not enough if one wishes to really make Panaji a smart city in the true sense of the term. Also, I believe that before opting to increase taxes, we should focus on utilising the existing funds.
TG: what changes do you suggest to the existing scheme of fund-utilisation?
Madkaikar: Funds received from Center and State should be utilized in an optimum manner and should not be wasted, as is the case with today’s elected corporation. Crores have been wasted on hotmixing roads over and over again. We will ensure that each scheme and project is implemented in a well-planned manner.
TG: What according to you are the pressing needs of Panaji?
Madkaikar: I believe that among the other pressing needs one which stand out are the need for parking space and for effective internal transport system. The others include sanitation facilities, good roads and provision of street-lights in the darker corners of the capital. Panaji may be a tiny city in comparison with metros but it has historically been a well-planned city. We intend to revive that culture.
TG: Two other panels are already in the fray for CCP polls. What will set this panel apart?
Madkaikar: The spirit of our secular panel will lie in its freshness and youth. It will comprise faces which will be new to CCP and people with credibility. Other panels, especially one floated by Antanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate has put up the same-old faces. We will give the new ones a chance and thereby give Panaji an opportunity to bring about a change in its civic body.
TG: What is the exact role that Congress intends to play for the panel?
Madkaikar: At least two to three candidates in each ward at the moment and the core committee comprising Congressmen will finalise and approve the nominees for the panel. Congress, in other words, will be the brain and driving force behind this secular panel and the party will provide all the political support needed by this group 0f candidates to fight the civic polls on March 6. Being general secretary of Goa Pradesh Congress Committee, I have accepted the responsibility of monitoring the panel as a party observer would monitor party candidates during an election.
