|
| Our strategy will be to defeat communal forces: Prithviraj Chavan | | Interview with Chief Minister, Maharashtra |
| Sanjay Jog / Mumbai Feb 13, 2012, 00:14 IST |
|
 From backstage politics to leading the Congress party from front in the crucial elections to the Mumbai civic body, Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has come a long way. In a freewheeling interview with Sanjay Jog, he explains why the polls are crucial for the Congress and its ruling partner Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Edited excerpts:
The Shiv Sena-BJP combine has alleged alliance between Congress and NCP was unholy and both parties are opportunist. Your comment?
The Congress and NCP have formed electoral alliance with a sole objective to dislodge the most corrupt and communal Sena-BJP combine, which is ruling the Mumbai civic body for the last 16 years. Congress and NCP could not strike electoral pact during 2002 and 2007 elections, but this time we resolved our differences over seat sharing in the larger interest of providing a change to Mumbaikars.
Congress-NCP are in the UPA and ruling in Maharashtra since 1999. Therefore, assuming power in the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is necessary to expedite decision making process. I must mention here that NCP chief and agriculture minister Sharad Pawar also played a crucial role in alliance between the Congress and his party. We are resolved to unseat the saffron alliance.
Is it a fight between UPA and NDA?
Yes, I have already declared that. More importantly, it is a fight against the Shiv Sena which is a facist party. Shiv Sena has grown in the state and other parts of country by pursuing divisive and hate politics. This was possible due to Sena's 16 year rule in Mumbai civic body. The entire sustenance of Shiv Sena has been the BMC and that money has come at the cost of citizens of Mumbai. Therefore, the strategy is to defeat the communal forces.
How do you see at the Republican Party of India's (Athavale) move to join Shiv Sena-BJP alliance?
It is certainly a negative factor. However, Congress-NCP combine has roped in other factions of the Republican Party of India. We are not at all keen to play a caste card and are approaching voters for inclusive politics and growth of Mumbai, which has been adversely impacted during the Sena-BJP rule.
The saffron alliance is criticising the Congress-NCP government for its failure to pass necessary funds to the civic body. Multiple agencies are affecting Mumbai's growth. Your comment?
During their 16-year rule, the saffron alliance has given a lot of contracts well above the tender price. There are no audit reports. The government has already announced an inquiry into it. It is ironical that every year there are pot holes on Mumbai roads during monsoon. We are planning to bring in internal experts to improve the quality of roads.
We are committed to make Mumbai an international city. The government has already undertaken 24 development projects worth Rs 1,00,035 crore in the fields of roads and railways, services, housing, water supply and cleanliness. If voted to power, Congress-NCP will be able to effectively coordinate with central and state governments to bring in more funds and also give a necessary push for implementation of these projects.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Read Business news in |  |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertisements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Content Guide
