Q. Is it true that you were kept completely in the dark regarding Goa Forward Party (GFP)’s decision to align with BJP?
– To align with BJP was an option put forth along with other alternatives like sitting in the opposition, which was also scouted as an option. But both these were never considered as the options to be realized. GFP core strategy was to keep the BJP out of power in 2017 and later to work for strengthening the regional political alternative for Goa and Goans in the future. The mandate of Goemkars was also against the BJP as it was reduced to 13. The vote which enabled the GFP candidates to win in Siolim and Saligao was a vote against the BJP. The voters of the two constituencies wanted to unseat the two BJP ministers and they found that they could achieve their objective if they rally behind GFP candidates. In Fatorda, it was a positive vote for Vijai Sardesai as he stood and espoused the cause of all Goemkars and expressed not only the anti-BJP sentiments but also anti-Parrikar stand at all forums. Leaving aside the ‘bhakts’ of BJP, a chunk of the otherwise regular BJP voters stood with the opposition this time. Considering all of the above, it was imperative for the GFP to work to form a non-BJP formation first. I
therefore maintain that there was no consultation and discussion. At most, you can say, it was intimation.
Q. Vijai Sardesai, in an interview with The Neutral View has claimed that you have been managed by somebody with whom you are having dinner nowadays. Your comments?
– Presuming that what you are saying is true and that you are not trying to put words in my mouth, I can say that people who know me, and there are many, (laughs) know that I cannot be managed. I had dinner with many but with none that Vijai insinuates. I have not done any political activity on the sly. I do not wish to comment on such unsubstantiated claims. Vijai Sardesai could be trying to draw comfort for the self when the media confronts him with my resignation from the GFP through such gimmickry. Is dinner more lucrative than the opportunity of being a part of the ruling dispensation? You ask this to any other GFP member on the State Executive because I am confident that this claim of Vijai Sardesai is seconded by none. Anyway, this claim is not worth a comment. I spent very eventful 18 months with Vijai Sardesai right from the formation stage of GFP and I would like to cherish these good memories.
Q. Do you think the GFP’s decision is opportunistic in nature? Is it driven by a few people who want to be in power?
– I would not call it opportunistic as GFP was in an enviable position with multiple opportunities. No major party could have been in power by keeping the GFP out. It pains me to say that this is a betrayal of people of Goa. When the Congress party ditched the GFP i.e. during pre-poll, I called it a betrayal of Goem and Goemkars. However, the mandate of the Goans is supreme, which should have been respected and honoured. GFP should share power as we want to develop the party and make it the ultimate choice of Goans. However, I would call the present decision of the three legislators penny wise and pound foolish. We have ditched ourselves. We have disproved the hope that Goa should be ruled by a Goemkar party in the years to come. After having said this, let me also add that I would be sincerely happy if I am proved wrong.
Q. Why did you choose to resign from the post of the President of GFP yet staying with the party as a member?
– From the hasty decision and without scouting other alternatives respecting the electoral mandate, it was evident that I was not the President of the party at all. How could I claim to be the President when I found that I was actually not? So, my resignation is just a technical certification of what I was i.e. I was not. (Laughs) At that stage, I thought that there is no harm to continue as a member as I have been a part of Goa Forward movement. I can also take pride in the fact that I have played a key role in designing the Vision, Mission, Key performance areas and agendas of the GFP for Youth and Women. I also weighed the negative effect on the organization and particularly on some youth who claim to have joined GFP because of my presence.
Q. What were the reasons that finally compelled you to resign as a member?
– As time went by, I did not get positive signs. Everyone seemed to be busy to justify rather than discuss and respect dissent. The feeling that I would no longer add value to the GFP caught me like fever. Further, my “Goemkarponn” which is liberalism, dissent, diversity and freedom of expression is nonnegotiable for me. I did not want to embarrass the GFP as I cannot afford to remain silent on the major coalition partner of the party in the present government.
Q. Do you think GFP’s decision to align with BJP is wrong?
– This is not a difficult question to answer. I do not think a single GFP member in private conversation admits that the decision to align with BJP is right and proper. I consider it a betrayal of people of Goa. For GFP, it’s political …………. (allow me to keep the blank); it may turn out to be good for the three legislators cum ministers.
Q. What went wrong between GFP and Congress?
– All went wrong pre-poll. I do not think anything went wrong postresults. I doubt whether we tried. The question of going wrong comes later.
Q. Do you think a pre-poll alliance with Congress would have changed the current situation?
– Definitely. A proper pre-poll alliance with mutual respect would have sent a stronger signal to the electorate.
Q. Do you feel that GFP has lost the faith of people? Will GFP survive in the long run?
– No comments as the Goa Forward movement is dear to me, I may be out of the GFP. I do not wish to demotivate and drown expectations. People in control today would know better.
Q. Do you feel GFP has gone against its principles and motives by taking this decision to align with BJP?
– Do I need to answer this again? As a student of Criminology, I would put this under a new category of “white-collar crimes without punishment”. Media and political researchers may call this politics.
Q. Many had cautioned you against joining politics. Do you have any regrets?
– Absolutely no regrets. I lived and enjoyed every moment I worked for GFP. When I joined, my friends cautioned. However, it was the right decision. You buy shares of a company when the prices are low, isn’t it? I still continue to receive congratulations and salutes for quitting. But, you don’t quit a Company when it is ready to declare dividend, do you? But, I have no regrets for both my decisions. In fact, I have earned the love and respect of all Goemkars.
Q. What next for Prabhakar Timble?
– Prabhakar Timble will continue as before in politics, education and social issues. For me, nothing has changed. I am there, as before, to struggle for Goa, Goemkar & Goemkarponn.
TEAM TNV
