BJP Goa election in-charge Devendra Fadnavis says there can be only one Manoharbhai. Speaking extensively to Prudent Media on issues affecting the State he, however drives home his point that nobody can take credit for Parrikar’s legacy, but only the BJP.
Q: Do you feel politics in Goa is an open playing field or something to be conspired in late-night meetings?
A: Politics here is as open as daylight, but the speed with which things are moving is hard to keep up with, so when hours fall short, one has to make use of the night as well.
Q: What are the visible changes one sees today?
A: Looking at the need to lead the party in one direction, we did our best. We, as a team, have a stronghold. BJP works on organisational level and believes in the organization.
Q: Is the saffron party turning into a tribe of Congress dominant defectors?
A: This is ‘saffronisation’ of the Congress. It’s a fact that in 2017 there was a different situation and we came to power. When it was clear that BJP was forming the government 10 Congressmen joined us.
Q: Utpal’s says Babush isn’t the right candidate to take his father’s legacy ahead
A: There can be only one and one Manoharbhai. If his legacy belongs to anyone it is the BJP, no one else. It is a legacy created by BJP, so whether it is Babush, or Utpal or anybody, none can take his legacy ahead.
Q: Is BJP ok with family raj?
A: There is no place for family raj in BJP. There are some occupational hazards. Babush and Jennifer both came to us as MLAs. Vishwajit came to us and we got a seat which was never ours. Regarding Utpal, we have not denied him a ticket. We gave him two choices.
Q: So, you expected Utpal to relent?
A: 100%. I told him I had spoken to Babush and he will admit and agree before you that after five years you will contest from Panaji. What else can I do, or the party do?
Q: Babush agreed Utpal could contest from Panaji after five years?
A: Yes. I am talking on record.
Q: Parrikar’s family and Parsekar both feel there has been injustice.
A: Parrikar or Parsekar or Shripad Bhau -- all three have worked hard. They are founders. We tried to explain to Parsekar that he would not win. He has support but not enough to win. Nadda, Amit Shah and B L Santhosh had a meeting with him and he was asked about his three priorities which the party would oblige.
Q: How does the cadre feel when the veterans in the party take such stands?
A: The cadre gets hurt. Not because it affects the performance of the party. But such leaders do lose respect in the cadre’s eyes.
Q: Is this real politics or electoral politics?
A: I am of the opinion that more than 50% of the people have been raised from grass root level and 20% are outsiders. During elections, elective merit is an important aspect.
Q: Don’t you find the current scenario weird?
A: Yes, certainly. As a political analyst or thinker, I would point out two things - in Goa, nobody is willing to stop or pause. This situation is elsewhere too, but all in Goa are keen on contesting elections. Secondly, people here are willing to be CM even for a day and are content with the tag of ex-CM.
Q: Michael Lobo is using his force against the BJP now?
A: Lobo has gained weight as a BJP MLA and minister. He has earned whatever he has now, by using or abusing whatever powers. What was his identity before coming to BJP? Many such people go to the Congress and later are not visible anywhere.
Q: What is your role in convincing Pratapsing Rane not to contest?
A: Senior Rane is a big personality, he is a thoughtful, visionary statesman. Can someone like me convince him? No. He made his decision. I was getting indications of what he could do, we tried to take advantage of that. In politics one has to do that.
