Bolstered by its ZP win in Benaulim, AAP remains optimistic about a good showing in 2022 Assembly polls. In an exclusive interview, Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia told Prudent Media he is hopeful Goans will give the party a chance this time
Pramod Acharya: How do you look at Goa? How seriously is the Aam Aadmi Party taking the upcoming elections in Goa?
Manish Sisodia: The people of Goa have witnessed the running of BJP and the Congress. They feel cheated. The politicians they voted for, have changed parties after winning the election. Whichever government is in power, corruption is here to stay. The people have started trusting AAP. We could see this reflect in the ZP election results. I am sure that the people of Goa would give a chance to the Kejriwal model of government in Delhi, to serve them here in Goa.
PA: Indeed, the vote share of AAP has increased in the ZP election but it has not reached to a level where one can feel optimistic about winning assembly seats. How do you look at this journey, so far?
MS: We have jumped to 12-15% from the past 6%. The political analysis says that this is a major sign for a political party that has been trying to make a ground. This 15% vote share would reach 40-50% and the Delhi scene could be repeated here. Ultimately, the people living in Goa should feel that they must give a chance to the Kejriwal model of government.
PA: When we look at the BJP machinery and how it functions in an election year, we see overwhelming response for the party in ZP elections. They got 33 seats out of 50. Would you be in a position in the next 4-5 months to take a juggernaut like that?
MS: Look at our data. Even in areas where the BJP has a stronghold, AAP could penetrate and pocket 15% share. These vote shares would convert into 40-50 % in the near future. The dynamics in ZP elections and assembly elections are separate. People would vote for us.
PA: Girish Chodankar, the regional Congress leader, has indicated a possible alliance with the AAP. Is there any such possibility?
MS: I look at it in two ways. The Congress has admitted that AAP, as an independent entity, stands tall. They know that AAP is now penetrating and making its presence felt in Goa. I would like to advise the Congress party that they should look at themselves first. Every vote that is for Congress, goes to the BJP. The people of Goa are not happy with the Congress. They do not need BJP or Congress.
PA: What is your past experience with Congress?
MS: It is past for me now. In Goa too Congress will be a past. Nobody would vote for Congress in Goa.
PA: Is the AAP completely looking at no alliance with any political party in Goa?
MS: No alliance with any other political party in Goa. We have got the ground, the confidence.
This is the clear mandate that AAP is welcomed by the common Goan person.
PA: United opposition can only defeat the BJP. Do you agree?
MS: Congress has lost their credibility, it’s no more an alternative.
