‘Priority for absolute majority to ensure better development’

The NCP has been in power in the PMC for the past five years. It tied up with the Shiv Sena and BJP in the beginning,then joined hands with the Congress. Will this not affect the prospects of the party?

The NCP emerged as the single largest party in previous elections. The first choice for alliance was definitely the party with the same ideology; i.e. Congress. Then Congress leader Suresh Kalmadi was adamant and the NCP had no choice but to respect the mandate by joining hands with the saffron combine. Therefore,the party has an explaination for the alliance and it will not affect the performance in the coming polls.

What would be the issues on which the NCP would seek votes in the coming polls?

We have a lot of achievement to our credit and would highlight them in the civic polls. The party could have done better if had absolute majority. We have the PCMC as a good example,where the development work has been world class only because the party had an absolute majority. The road works,slum rehabilitation projects in the PCMC area are the best. The NCP has also managed to resolve many of the issues of the city in the past five years that include ensuring the roads are good and without potholes.

The NCP has changed its stand on two major issues of biodiversity park and metro rail. Why should voters show trust in the NCP?

The change in stand has nothing to do with the elections. The party has realised that there was need to change the stand in the interest of the city. The party leaders have visited other cities and discussed the issues with experts before taking up the new stand.

Who will be the main Opposition for the NCP in civic polls?

All the other parties are Opposition. The Shiv Sena-BJP will be the main Opposition if we have a pre-poll alliance at select places with the Congress. The first priority will always remain to get an absolute majority which will help in ensuring effective development….

What would be the criteria for selecting candidates?

The priority would be to select candidates sensitive towards civic issues. They should be honest and educated. The ability to understand civic issues is very neccessary and the party has already taken capacity building initiative for aspirants. Many without higher education are able to understand the issue and cater to the citizens’ need. The party has also undertaken a performance review of sitting corporators and is satisfied with most of them.

This time,there is reservation of 50 per cent for women. How will the NCP find the women candidates?

The party has sufficient strength of women activists but there is a shortage of women who can effectively contest the civic polls. The problem is with all the political parties. I have been wooing many educated women to contest the elections but not many are grabing the opportunity. It is wrong to criticise the politicians by staying away from the system but one cannot be forced to jump in politics.