NT NETWORK
PANAJI
Endorsing the recent indication from the national leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party that he will directly or indirectly rule Goa, in the event of the party’s return to power in the state, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday said that people want to know about the leader who is going to deliver (on promises); they voted (Narendra) Modiji with majority because they were confident about his capacity of delivering, and similarly here in Goa, they are confident in my capacity to deliver, which cannot be said about many other leaders.
“They are of course good leaders, but confidence is something that is gained over a period of time,” Parrikar observed, adding, “May be they will require more time to gain it.” “Anyway, if I am in a position to deliver either as a chief minister or an authorised party source, and furthermore people are confident about it, that naturally benefits,” he stated, pointing out, “And beyond it, if such an indication charges the workers, there should be no problem.”
In an honest, no-holds-barred interaction, Parrikar said that as the political situation in Goa stands today, the BJP would easily be able to cross 22 to 23 seats at the February 4 state assembly polls, and further touch 26-seat mark. “We may reach 26-seat mark because there are 3-4 surprises which are in the offing, as people are fed up with some people and may throw out some of the old guards, which, in turn, will present shocking results,” he analysed, stating that such a surprise could also happen on the BJP side, but limited to only one candidate.
“Nevertheless, it is advantage BJP at this moment,” the Defence Minister maintained, stating that the BJP government, the BJP political group and finally, most of the individual BJP candidates are not experiencing any negativity. “Four to five of our candidates had been facing anti-incumbency heat, but then we have taken care of it by persuading, coaxing and cajoling the concerned people,” he noted.
Earlier, addressing a press conference, Parrikar said that he is the disciplined worker of his party and whatever responsibility – including that of the chief minister of Goa – the party would entrust to him, he would abide by it. “I am ready anytime to do whatever the party tells me,” he stressed.
“The fact that the BJP government in Goa, during last five years, in spite of 17 per cent drop in the state Gross Domestic Product and 26 per cent drop in state revenue, following the Supreme Court ban on the mining activities here, managed to run the administration without causing discomfort to anyone, is just enough to bring the party back to power again,” Parrikar said.
“Besides the BJP having committed itself to the development of the state, the mission mode aspect of the party’s manifesto is employment generation through ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make in Goa’ initiatives, through the ongoing as well as new projects,” the Defence Minister stated, maintaining that the BJP will easily achieve its target of garnering two-third majority with 26 seats. “On the other hand, the opposition does not have any specific issues to deliver to Goans,” he retorted.
Replying to a question as regards the stand of the BJP on the offshore casinos anchored in Mandovi river, the Defence Minister said that the state government had already taken an administrative decision to shift them from their present position, however, the solution for the same is awaited as no location has been identified for the shift.
When asked about the complaint filed against him before the state Chief Electoral Office, for allegedly inciting the people to accept money from other candidates but cast votes only for the BJP, Parrikar said let the Election Commission of India investigate the complaint.
Answering another query, the Defence Minister said that local unit of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, which is affiliated to the Nagpur-based headquarters of the organisation, fully supports the BJP. “I don’t believe in any other local unit of the RSS,” he quipped, pointing out that the Subhash Velingkar-supported RSS unit is a political party, and it is facing the election on its own agenda.
Replying to yet another question, Parrikar said that projects to the tune of Rs 20,000 crore have been sanctioned for Goa on fast-track mode by the central government, only because Prime Minister Narendra Modi has special affinity towards the state. “Furthermore, it is my duty to get central government approvals for Goan projects, as Goa is a small state and its government cannot afford to depute too many of its officers in Delhi to follow up the projects,” he noted, observing that the special status demand for Goa is no longer valid, as the Centre has already taken care of the financial aspect of the state, while the state government would protect the Goan lands by imposing land-related local laws.