In a chat with Ashwini Kamat, Congress candidate Girish Chodankar explains why he decided to knock the door of every household in the city and offers a glimpse of how he views the upcoming by-poll
The Goan: What has been the response to your campaign?
Girish Chodankar: It is only because of the tremendous response that my conviction has been strengthened. My candidature has been endorsed by residents of Panaji.
TG: Do you think you will succeed in pulling the traditional BJP votes, especially from the Bahujan community?
GC: There is tremendous anger and a deep sense of betrayal among people in Panaji. Non-delivery of even the basic amenities has magnified this frustration. These issues are so overarching that my campaign has crossed all religious, language and caste barriers. These issues are so overarching that my campaign has crossed all religious, language and caste barriers.
TG: Recently you declared that even BJP karyakartas and voters support you.
GC: Traditional BJP voters have supported me only because they know that I do not view people based on which caste or religion they belong to. Our issues are similar and we need to wage a united war leaving aside the old ways of looking at politics and at ourselves.
TG: If Panaji elects Congress, what will change after five years?
GC: Give me five years and I will work with all humility for a clean and green Panaji, a capital with regular water supply and where people prosper. During these five years, I promise accessibility to your elected representative.
TG: What will be your top priority in the first year of your tenure if elected?
GC: Uninterrupted supply of potable water to all will be my topmost priority. Regular electricity supply in Ribandar will be next. I will start work on garbage issue and unemployment alongside.
