South Goa Congress candidate Viriato Fernandes is a Navy veteran and Kargil hero. From his days as an activist to that of a politician, he has come a long way. In an interview with Ruvina Khan of The Navhind Times, he speaks his mind on several issues
Q: This time, all three main contenders for the South Goa seat are contesting the Lok Sabha election for the first time. Unlike the North Goa constituency, there are no veterans on this side. How do you view the contest?
We are starting on a clean slate. Though I am new, the issues we have been fighting for since 2017 are still relevant. And I think that is what has connected me with the people. Take, for example, issues like unemployment. Now, sadly, the percentage of unemployment in Goa is the highest in India. And this is declared by whom? By NITI Ayog, which functions under the Prime Minister. That is why we say that the BJP has given Goa the title of the unemployment capital of India. Law and order is another issue. Every day, when you open the newspaper, you want to see something nice. But we only hear about rapes, murders, drug abuse, etc. Besides, the people also fear that the Constitution will be changed if the BJP comes to power.
Q: Congress took a long time to declare both its candidates. Due to this, you were left with less time to campaign. The BJP also took a long time to declare its candidate, but the party started its campaign early. Don’t you think the BJP has an early-start advantage?
We started our campaign two months ago in the name of the party and not in the name of a candidate. Fortunately or unfortunately, the delay in declaring the candidate was to take into consideration the views of INDIA allies in Goa. All had to be taken into confidence. However, the delay in declaration led to anxiety among the people across the state, which indicated that they wanted a candidate to be declared at the earliest to defeat the BJP. This delay actually turned into a positive surge and made it into a people’s movement. There is anger and resentment against the BJP because of its failure on the employment front, law and order, and false promises. People have come to realise that, whether it’s the PM or the CM, they make false promises.
Q: The Congress lost 18 MLAs between 2019 and 2022, all of whom joined the BJP. This was a major setback for the party. This time, the Congress has just two MLAs in South Goa, and the allies have three—AAP has two and GFP has one. In this situation, how does Congress hope to win the seat?
The departure of these eight MLAs (in September 2022) was the final cleansing of the party. Because the BJP cannot win in a fair manner, they resort to purchasing MLAs, which the people will not forgive.
Q: On the ground, the MLAs have a good influence on the people of their constituencies. So, don’t you think that those who have left the Congress and joined the BJP will play spoilsport for the Congress?
For strategic reasons, I would not like to name the constituencies, but there will be a massive lead for the Congress in almost all the constituencies in South Goa where the MLAs defected. The voters are aware of how the MLAs they elected betrayed them.
Q: In the 2022 assembly elections, when there was a huge anti-incumbency against the BJP, Congress won only 11 seats. According to analysts, one of the main reasons was poor party organisation. It’s no different now. Your comment.
For the first time, there is an organisation that has been built up right from the booth level, and the smooth coordination in each village indicates that efforts that have been put in in the past 18 months will pay handsome dividends in the election.
Q: The BJP keeps talking about the development agenda. They say the kind of development, especially the infrastructural development that has happened, was never seen during the Congress regime. Comment.
What is development? Development should be beneficial to the people. People are the main stakeholders. The BJP model of development involves creating wealth for their own leaders, friends, and family members.
Q: After your retirement from the Navy, you started as an activist, and then you entered politics, contesting the 2022 assembly polls from Dabolim. Normally, activists accuse politicians of wrongdoing in the state. How has your transformation from activism to politics been?
We had to take that difficult decision of stepping into the political world because we realised that our voice from the activism world had to reach into decision-making. That is politics.
Q: Would you like to comment on the controversy surrounding your statement on the Constitution in the backdrop of the dual citizenship demand?
Actually, whatever I said, the way I said it, and the context in which I said it are all in the public domain. I had challenged the PM as well as the CM for an open debate on the issue, including pressing issues like unemployment, law and order, crime against women and children, destruction of the environment, favouritism towards crony capitalists, etc.
Q: Having served in the Indian Navy, what are the lessons you’re taking with you in this election campaign?
We have a very disciplined, organised, and structured campaign. And it has proved to be very effective in connecting with every voter in every nook and cranny of Goa. My 26 years’ experience in the armed forces has also helped me connect with the people of Goa. Our campaign team, along with the larger party organisation, are working as a well-oiled machine.