Victory will be mine, that too by huge margin: Manoj Kotak

Three-term BJP corporator and BJP nominee from North East constituency Manoj Kotak has expressed confidence that he will win in the forthcoming election by a huge margin owing to teamwork. In an interview with Sanjay Jog, Kotak said that he will continue to get guidance from the incumbent MP Kirit Somaiya to implement development projects in the constituency.

Opposition has termed you a lightweight candidate. How do you react?

The North East Mumbai constituency is a stronghold of BJP and Shiv Sena. The opposition should be aware of the work I have done as the corporator in this constituency and the issues raised by me. In addition to this, Kirit Somaiya has worked hard for the transformation of this constituency and its people in the last five years along with five legislators and 27 corporators. The poll results will reveal who is lightweight.

Do you feel the party should have announced your nomination much earlier?

It is the party's decision. However, I must tell you that we had already launched a poll campaign by reaching out to the voters with a resolve to make Narendra Modi the Prime Minister for the second consecutive term. BJP, Shiv Sena and Republican Party of India (Athavale) are working together to win North East constituency seat by a huge margin.

How would you convince voters about the party's decision to replace Somaiya succumbing to the Shiv Sena's pressure? Has the Sena been pacified?

I will work under Somaiya's guidance. Moreover, voters will remember the works taken up by me in the constituency. Will NCP nominee (Sanjay Dina Patil) be able to show what constituency work he has taken up during his term between 2009 and 2014?

Will MNS decision to support NCP nominee hamper your prospects?

I am not at all bothered by MNS' move. BJP, Shiv Sena and RPI have formed an alliance and I am sure of a comfortable victory.

What are your priorities for the constituency?

A lot is on my to-do list. Among them are better connectivity to upcoming metro stations and Navi Mumbai airport, closure of Deonar dumping ground, protection of mangroves, promotion of water transport, development of more environmentally-friendly open spaces and timely completion of Mumbai Dahisar link road. Furthermore, I intend to increase the number of local trains on Central Railway and upgrade facilities at the stations.