Definitely we are on the mission. I have worked, struggled and agitated with several groups for this cause. I am an activist first.

How do you rate the Parrikar-led government’s performance on the scale of 1-10?

I don’t want to be self-congratulatory. Ultimately we are here for the people, so let people decide about it.

Do you think it was a wise decision to join hands with the BJP to form the government?

It was a political prudence. We are going through a sensitive phase and Manohar Parrikar is the only credible leader who has risen up in the critical and volatile situations. I am here to strengthen the intervention capacity of the workers, farmers, youth and women in law-making. Within 100 days, we have managed to agree on the withdrawal of amendment to Kul-Mundkar Act. My manifesto started with the line of promising to fight for its withdrawal. Majority of Priol dwells and cultivates in such lands.

You have been considered as leader of ST community. Do you think you have been able to address to their issues?

Definitely we are on the mission. I have worked, struggled and agitated with several groups for this cause. I am an activist first. We have put certain programs on fast track. I have asked the department secretary to visit New Delhi and follow-up all the pending matters at Union Tribal Welfare Department. We are in process of implementing Forest Right Act by the end of this year. With regards to the issue of electoral reservations, I am pursuing the status with Chief Minister and soon I will be meeting Central Minister for Tribal Welfare. Similarly, providing quality education and developing entrepreneurship within the weaker sections is a prime focus.

Do you think this government will be a stable one for complete tenure?

Absolutely! We have agreed on common interests and that’s how coalition government works. I do not see anything that would derail the process.

What are the issues of Priol constituency that you would like to take on priority?

Priol is a completely rural area which even today struggles for the basic civic facilities. The area majorly survives on the agricultural produce where lands are mainly tenanted and has narrow access to the market. It also has one of the highest school drop-out rates. Providing vocational training, necessary qualifications and alternative schooling for them is our promise. The residential school that will provide conventional as well as tertiary education is in the pipeline.
Access to water, both for irrigation and consumption has been a prime concern. We are working on multiple fronts to solve water woes, including completion of Opa water pipeline.
Establishing government schools and strengthening the existing ones has been taken up on priority because in many parts it is the sole provider of education. The Savoi-Verem Government High School which was kept in a pathetic condition for its closure has been revived and taken as a model project. The issues of teachers are being solved and opening of a state of the art library, ground and gymnasium will make the school lucrative. The education needs investment of state machinery as well as ideas.
The renovation of weekly Banastari market on the lines of traditional ‘bazaar’ and not to make it a concrete block or a mall is also on our planner. It will protect and promote local farmers and vendors. The lone health center at Betki would be upgraded to a hospital soon.
We want to create development that creates respect, sufficiency and enlightens human beings. We are working on all the fronts. The task is massive but with the kind of young people that showcase their enthusiasm it will be a success story.

Is it the end of Dhavalikar era in your constituency?

The massive shift in voting pattern of Priol explains everything. But beyond individual or a party it is an end of the politics of fear and favor. It is an end of the politics which degrades human values. Development cannot be somebody’s charity. Development should be a full-fledged program of the state. My entire campaign was driven by the young souls. My manifesto itself was named as ‘agenda for youth’. People of Priol have risen up to the new promise!

After defeating MGP president do you find any difficulty to be a part of the government that has MGP in it?

I have pledged my support to Manohar Parrikar. And the government works as a collective responsibility of cabinet. I am unapologetic for the mandate that I have earned.

Have you pledged your support to this government for the next five years?

My commitment is towards the leadership of Manohar Parrikar. I am an activist and I am here to safeguard the interest of workers. Mr Parrikar is sensitive towards the issues and has intended to work for it.

How would you describe working under CM Manohar Parrikar?

Mr Parrikar is one of the pioneering figures in India. He has command over the administration. I have taken up this opportunity to learn various things. We often engage in discussions on several issues. I find him to be a keen observer and a considerate individual.

Team TNV