‘If we win,youth panel will advise PMC on schemes’

So far,we have held only one meeting where we exchanged our list. Through informal discussion,we have reached a consensus on 75 wards. The process for identifying candidates for other panels is underway. In fact,the process has been delayed due to civic elections and state legislature session.

What about the RPI,how many wards will it get?

We are not declaring anything as of now. That would be showing political immaturity. Because the NCP-Congress will chance upon the opportunity to create bad blood and vitiate the atmosphere. RPI will be accommodated properly as our maha-alliance will united fight the elections. We will present a picture of social unity before the masses.

So,by what date you think you would be able to declare the final seat-sharing arrangement?

I hope we would be able to do so by December 20. The Shiv Sena has already sent its primary report to Uddhav Thackeray who has expressed his satisfaction.

What will be the issues Sena plans to raise in the elections?

We plan to raise a number of issues that are now playing on the public mind in Pune. Be it the security issue,the BDP,non-clearance of development,cleanliness or corruption,the saffron alliance will reach out to the masses with all of these. We will highlight how Pune has remained neglected under the NCP-Congress regime which faced charges of inefficiency,corruption and poor administration. Unlike the Democratic Front government,Sena,when it was in power,never gave a raw deal to Pune. I am sure voters will understand the difference and vote for the alliance. Especially the youth are disillusioned with corruption. Anna Hazare’s campaign has generated a lot of awareness among them. The social networking sites have also played their part in creating awareness.

How did Khadakwasla victory benefit the saffron alliance?

The victory clearly showed that caste,money or family lineage do not matter. What we witnessed in Khadakwasla was new voters,voters who are modern and can’t be swayed by any such allurement…Our corporators have always worked for the citizens unmindful of caste and religion.

So,are you confident of winning the PMC headquarters for the first time ever?

Cent per cent confident. Both in Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune,the atmosphere is in favour of the saffron alliance. The Sena is completely united and determined to ascend the throne.

On several issues,the BJP and Sena have differed. Will this affect the alliance’s performance?

If we have differed on a couple of issues,both the parties have campaigned jointly on several issues including traffic,the Dadoji Konddev statue controversy or the river linking plan. Our alliance has a great vision for bringing about all round development of Pune. Among the top priorities would include giving Puneites,a public transport like the BEST.

Any other initiative likely to be taken up after coming to power?

We are going to implement a unique plan. A plan Pune has never seen before. We are going to appoint a committee of youths who will advise the Pune Municipal Corporation about plans and schemes required to be implemented for the city. We expect this committee to come up with fresh ideas and perspectives. The youths would be in the age group of 18 to 30 years. We expect the officials,our corporators and mayor to keep themselves updated with suggestions and ideas from the committee through the internet. This plan will make waves in the city and ensure complete participation of youngsters in city’s development process.