I had an ambition to become the CM, but that was not by pulling someone else down, says Digambar Kamat in an exclusive interview with DNA.
Digambar Kamat has been very busy ever since he was sworn in as the Goa chief minister. Between matters of the state, MLAs meeting him to stake claim to ministerships, people showering him with good wishes and bouquets, a sudden summon has come from the High Command in Delhi. This will be the first of the many trips that Goa's 19th Chief Minister will have to undertake to Delhi, but this four-time MLA from Margao in south Goa is unfazed. "Karma is what decides what will happen, not dharma," he says. Excerpts from an exclusive interview with DNA:
Was it your ambition to become the Chief Minister of Goa?
In politics, like in any other profession, people have ambitions. And yes, I had an ambition to become the chief minister, but not by pulling someone else down. I have not done that during my entire political career. I wanted to become the CM, earning the goodwill of people and I think that has happened.
Pratapsingh Rane, your predecessor, has been a CM for nearly 20 years at different times. Do you think his will be a hard act to follow?
First, let me say that I have an excellent relationship with him. But let me tell you that I am a person who tries to deliver in whatever assignment I am given.
For 12 years I was the chairman of the marketing federation and set up a marketing yard network in Goa. Even as a councillor in Margao for five years, administration came easily to me. I even won the Kosambi award for my skills. I agree this is a bigger opportunity, but I feel I am equal to the task. Besides, people know what I am capable of because I am not new to them. If you care for people, people will care for you and I know I will get tremendous support from them.
What will your government do about the regional plan?
We have already said in the manifesto that Regional Plan (RP) - 2011 stands scrapped. My government stands by it.
But some ministers and others close to the previous government are rumoured to have been behind some dubious land deals. Will you honour them?
I am not bothered about deals made by anybody. They all stand scrapped. I will appoint a committee of experts that will include architects, town planners, etc to come up with a plan for Goa.
What if they go to court saying they have made certain advance 'payments' but there has been no delivery?
Then we will fight it out in court. I am not bothered about anything but follow the Congress manifesto which promised that the RP would be scrapped.
There have been reports that the Russian mafia is also involved in land dealings...
I have also heard these reports and have asked the Chief Secretary to inquire and report back to me. We have to look at the details, because some land deals might be legal and some illegal.
Is it necessary for the CM to be from the Bahujan Samaj (OBC)?
I don't believe caste or religion can be a basis for such a decision. I always go by performance. Karma is what decides who you are, not dharma. I believe in this principle and follow it. I have become CM with the people's support.
Will you appoint controversial people in your cabinet?
I cannot reply because your next question will be "who are the controversial people." Delhi will decide everything, and that's why I am going there on Monday evening.
Former CM Manohar Parrikar (who has not forgiven Kamat for deserting the BJP in 2005 to join the Congress) has said that you will be a puppet.
I don't require any certificate from him. The people know I have the maturity to look after the state's interests. I am not bothered about any comments made by Parrikar or anyone.
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