Q: What is your stand on the Medium of Instruction (MoI) issue?
Photo Credits: MADKAIKAR INTERVIEW
A: In the House as well I have said that. I don’t think we should disturb the present grants to English-medium primary schools. If somebody wants fresh grants or any other facilities, they can always demand those from the government. But the government shouldn’t withdraw the existing grants which benefit people across the communities.
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n The policies of congress and its style of functioning are old. They are functioning in the same manner for a long time. Other parties mold their strategies on the mood of the electorate. However, Congress doesn’t believe in changing its strategy. If you don’t understand the mood of the people and change the strategies accordingly, is it possible to go into elections?
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n Luizinho Faleiro was away from Goan politics for good 10 years. He hasn’t witnessed how, since 2012, people’s votes have changed, how Manohar Parrikar achieved success and he hasn’t delved on the reasons behind Congress’ failure. Unless he understands these problems, he cannot strategise.
Faleiro does not take the MLAs into confidence at any stage. He doesn’t discuss any issues with us. He has not addressed a single exclusive meeting of the MLAs and leader of the opposition to chalk out the election campaign plan.
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n The rift between Congress Legislative Party and party organization was laid on the day when Luizinho Faleiro took over as the GPCC president. Since day one, he has tried to push all seniors such as Francisco Sardinha, Ravi Naik in the front and MLAs have been sidelined. I have discussed these issues with Rahul Gandhi, Digvijaya Singh, Dr A Chella Kumar and also with Faleiro.
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n After the last Assembly session, all 13 opposition MLAs sat together and discussed and decided to push the same alliance for elections as well. Digambar Kamat and I tried to get an appointment with Rahul Gandhi over this issue, but that was not possible. Then the enthusiasm waned as the high command showed no interest. That would have been the best strategy and the best time to strike it. But time has passed now with only two to three months left for the polls.
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n Having begun my career as an MLA with the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), the party was a natural option for me to turn to. I have always been close to Sudin (Dhavalikar) and we had one meeting to discuss this possibility. But nothing came out of it. I have expressed apprehensions over MGP’s plans for the Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM) and I cannot think of the MGP if it ties up with BBSM.
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n Earlier this month, the BJP made an offer to me. Instead of entering the ruling alliance through a side door, why not make an entry from the main door. Besides, if I decide to join the MGP, a lot will depend on the understanding between the two alliance partners over allocation of Cumbarjua seat. The son of a senior leader of BJP is in the line for this constituency and I cannot take that huge risk. Also, when the BJP approached me, I am assuming the intention was to retain my seat.
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n BJP and MGP will go together natural allies for sure this election. But presently, I feel really uncomfortable with Congress. If the Congress doesn’t show willingness to move ahead with the times, on what blind faith can I be expected to stay in the party?
I have no option but to leave the Congress if they do not wish to mend their ways. I don’t see any future in a party with no roadmap.
Even if Congress does get 15 to 17 seats, it will be difficult to form government. While Congress needs at least 20 to 21 seats by itself to form government, MGP-BJP can comfortably pull more seats even if they get 17. It is too late to stitch an alliance now as a lot of misunderstandings have set in. Also, with time, alliance partners will have more leverage and more bargaining power.
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n Party tickets don’t matter as much to the voters any more. People first consider the candidate and then the party ticket. But Congress leadership still thinks that votes can be secured based on the party’s name.
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n The decisive votes are of the younger, newer electors, who don’t know the older, dormant Congress leaders. But Congress leaders refuse to understand this change. Second category is women. BJP has introduced so many programmes to attract women’s votes. But Congress hasn’t tapped this electorate.
