Q: Before November 2014, did you ever think of becoming Chief Minister of the state?
Frankly speaking, no! But I was confident about becoming a BJP MLA as I have been working for the party for over 25 years. When I contested assembly elections for the first time I fetched only 365 votes; and that time I realised that I need to have patience. Fortunately, people of Goa accepted the BJP and I became an MLA and then a minister. Till Manohar Parrikar was chief minister the thought of becoming CM was not there in my mind. However, one fine day he was called by the party to take up bigger responsibility at the Centre; and here in Goa the party asked me to take up the position of CM. Let me tell you honestly, I never tried to become Manohar Parrikar, and I may not be as intelligent as Parrikar. However, being a teacher I have been able to learn new concepts faster. I also admit that for the first two months I faced some difficulties, but as days went by I succeeded in holding a grip on the administration.
Q: Are you satisfied with your performance as CM?
I still remember that first meeting of chief ministers called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi wherein he had appealed to all the heads of states to emphasise on manufacturing of electronic goods. He had told us that firstly all states should undertake manufacturing of electronic goods to cater to the demand in the country, and next step should be export of the goods which would help in making up with expenses that the country incur on oil imports from other countries. After that my government sent a proposal on setting up of an electronic city at Tuem in Pernem taluka, which was subsequently approved by the Centre. I think this as a great achievement. Besides, in the last two years, the Goa Investment Promotion Board has given approval to 151 proposals which have potential to create 25,500 jobs. Let me tell you that 50 per cent of the approved proposals came from Goan entrepreneurs… I must also tell you that our government has upgraded five colleges with modern facilities and gave a boost to infrastructural projects. My government brought in a legislation for regularisation of unauthorised houses and Deen Dayal health Insurance scheme which covers all Goans. Legalisation of sand mining, renewal of mining leases and beginning of work on the Mopa international airport have been other achievements of my tenure… We have also made provision for another nursing institution at the new South Goa district hospital. This has been done keeping in mind Goa’s future. The planning is for next 20 to 25 years.
Q: Do you think that your stress on discipline has been unpalatable for many people especially leaders of your former alliance partner Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party?
Elections results will prove whether the decisions I took were right or wrong. If that decision reflects with negative poll results as far as my party is concerned then it will prove that I was wrong… and if the party gets good poll outcome then it will show that I succeeded in bringing about discipline and keeping unwanted characters out of the government.
Q: BJP came to power when you were state BJP president in 2002 and 2012. This time you are Chief Minister. How do you look at it?
I am confident of BJP’s victory in this assembly election.
Q: During the poll campaign the BJP made Manohar Parrikar as party face. Do you feel that your party has sidelined you in spite of your clean image?
See, firstly, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar as well as Union minister Shripad Naik are our senior leaders and guides of the party. They are our ideal leaders like PM Modi. Secondly, the party has not projected anybody as CM candidate. The party might have thought of keeping options open… Thirdly, the BJP time and again said the leader would be decided by elected MLAs. Therefore, no question arises of sidelining me in the election campaign; and I have no ill-feelings in my heart that the party has done injustice to me. On the contrary, I believe that I could become MLA, minister and Chief Minister because of my party. I am a disciplined soldier of the party…
Q: Do you think that denying tickets to two sitting MLAs and admitting two former Congress MLAs into the BJP would benefit the party?
These decisions were taken unanimously by the party after extensive discussions. Therefore, I believe that it will benefit the party.