Q: Your party supremo Mickky Pachecho has called for a merger of the GVP with the UGDP. Do you subscribe to the views expressed by Mickky on the issue?
Lyndon: The party will collectively take an appropriate decision on Mickky’s proposal. But as the general secretary, I would like to state that if any individual does not want to stay in the party, he or she is free to quit the party. In my personal opinion, there’s not going to be any merger of the GVP with the UGDP.
Q: Mickky says that he has proposed the party’s merger with the UGDP to overcome the BJP tag. Comment.
Lyndon: When you want to merge your party with any other outfit, it should be for the good of the party and for better prospects. The GVP has two MLAs in the Legislative Assembly, while the UGDP has not won a single seat in the last two Assembly election. I do not understand the logic behind the merger. But, anyway, let the party take a call. As far the so-called BJP tag is concerned, people of Goa know the reality.
Q: Being the chairman of the Goa Meat Complex, reports suggests that Lyndon will not allow the merger. Will Lyndon contest from Nuvem in the coming polls?
Lyndon: I and Mickky had been with the party for nearly five years in both good and bad times. Now, if Mickky wants to quit the party, the onus will be on the party members to strengthen GVP to meet the future challenges. As the general secretary, if the party gives me the responsibility to contest the coming elections from any constituency, including Nuvem, I will not shy away.
Q: Will the emerging political developments affect your relationship?
Lyndon: I do not think so. Political relationship and personal relationship are two different things. We may differ in our thinking and perceptions, but I don’t
think my personal relationship with Mickky will get affected in any way.
Q: When is GVP formally calling a meeting of the party to decide Mickky’s merger proposal.
Lyndon: Actually, the party has not received any proposal from Mickky. But since he has gone to the public with his proposal via the media, the party will hold a meeting and decide on the merger proposal within a week’s time. As an individual member of the party, I am vehemently opposed to the merger. But, let us wait and see the decision of the party.
Q: How do you see leaders deserting the GVP? First it was MLA Caitu Silva, followed by ZP Member Nelly Rodrigues and now party supremo Mickky Pacheco.
Lyndon: Only time will tell whether GVP will be affected or not by the decision of these leaders to quit the party. But one thing is clear, the members will work hard to keep the party flag flying high.
