MGP candidate from Ponda, Ketan Bhatikar.
Gomantak Times
As the polling day for the 2022 Goa assembly election inches closer, the battlefield Goa is all set to witness a thrilling multi-party contest between the Congress, the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Trianamool Congress (TMC), Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), Goa Forward Party, among other, on 14 February.
In a rapid-fire interview, Gomantak Times speaks to MGP candidate from Ponda, Ketan Bhatikar.
Prior you campaign, how much active were you in your constituency?
I have been carrying out various activities for the people of Ponda for a long time. Ambulances have been made available to the citizens of Ponda for 24 hours service. Our worked were at the forefront to help people during Covid-19 crisis. We also took out cleanliness drive in the city.
Ponda roads are in pretty bad shape. How do you plan to repair them?
I have included all these things in my manifesto. After getting elected, a special committee will be set up on the issue of roads. Frequent roadblocks will not be allowed. Good roads will be constructed after completing the underground works as well as drainage works.
There is a high rate of unemployment in Ponda. What is your take on it?
If I am elected, I will give priority for generating employment. Efforts will be made to provide youth with employment in the private sector with the help of entrepreneurs. We will also conduct vocational skills workshops for them. It will also help the youth to start their own business.
Today everyone wants a government job. What do have to say about that?
It is natural for everyone to want a government job. We have already organized workshops for self-employment which has changed the mindset of the youth towards government jobs.
You have many contenders in eyeing for Ponda constituency, so why do you think people will vote for you?
I don't think all voters will vote for me. But I will definitely get 12-13 thousand votes. I have been always ben in social work, so I expect to get as many votes as I can, rest the remaining votes will be split among other candidates.
What efforts will be made for women empowerment?
I have so far organized 150 workshops for women empowerment. They will be tutors like making cushions, making bags etc. After getting elected, we will work double then what we have done before. We will work for women through volunteer groups.