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THE STATES
Compromise candidate
FOR the 1954-born Digambar Kamat, life has come full circle. Though he started his political career in the Congress, it was in the Bharatiya JanataParty (BJP) that he attained prominence.
In 2005, when he pulled the rug from under Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's feet, he was the Deputy Chief Minister in the BJP government. During the recent election campaign, he was seen as the leader of Amchem Madganv ("our Margao", the South Goa headquarter town and commercial capital of Goa).
The consensus Chief Minister knows that he has to walk a fine line, pleasing both the Pratapsinh Rane and the Ravi Naik factions in the Congress as well as the alliance partners. He is also aware that it will take only a couple of disgruntled legislators to bring his government down.
In his first interview after being sworn in as Chief Minister, Kamat said he would strive to make Goa the best place to live in. Excerpts:
You are heading a coalition government with a thin majority. Will it last?
I don't see any threat to my government. This government will be stable so long as we are able to govern. A government comes under trouble only when you are not able to govern. My efforts will be to give good governance along with our partners.
You have been chosen as a "consensus" or "compromise" candidate. Does it not put you under a lot of pressure?
I have been elected as a consensus candidate. For me posts are not important; they are temporary. The day my legislators tell me that I am not required, I will step down.
Will you rely on your experience as a Deputy Chief Minister in the BJP government?
I have enough experience without that. I did not become a Minister overnight. I worked as the Chairman of the Marketing Board for 12 years and established a network of market yards in Goa.
I have also worked as a corporator and as an Opposition MLA for five years. It is because I have shown that I can deliver that I have been elected.
What is your stand on the controversial Regional Plan 2011?
It has already been scrapped. We will come up with a new plan after taking the Goan people into confidence. Similarly, on all-important projects we will take the people into confidence and only then take any decisions
Do you have the support of your coalition partners?
(Laughs) That is why I am here.
Interview with Chief Minister Digambar Kamat.
Governor S.C. Jamir (right) congratulates Digambar Kamat after swearing him in as Chief Minister.