DAMAN, February 25: Dahyabhai V Patel, 53, is Daman Diu Vikas Party nominee from this Union Territory. He is however contesting as independent candidate as his party is not registered. Unanimous choice of Daman's neo-rich, Patel has everything- money and muscle power.But his `dubious past' continues to haunt him which is why the Bharatiya Janata Party denied him ticket. Patel, who is president cum-chief counsellor of district Panchayat Daman and Diu, had resigned from the Congress. He claims that he is popular candidate and being backed by official Congress candidate and an indepedent candidate from Diu. His credentials: Sarpanch for the last 20 years and leading industrialist of UT.
Excerpts from an interview.
Q. You are said to have engineered defection in the Daman Municipal Council and the district panchayat by `purchaging loyalties of councillors' to reduce the BJP to minority in both the local bodies. Is it true ?
Yes, I did. As a true Congress man I engineereddefection. That is what every politician does and this is what politics is all about. That is why the two local bodies are supporting me.
Then why did you want to contest on BJP ticket?
I wanted to contest on BJP ticket because there was a wave in favour of BJP. But my rival managed to get the ticket because he paid Rs 10 lakh to the party, even though he had resigned from BJP.
Do you regret leaving the Congress Party? Do you think your chances had been better if you were contesting on Congress ticket ?
No, I have no regrets (I have resigned but my resignation has not be accepted). Election in Daman is fought on personality basis, political parties have no role. In fact, I have emerged stronger as an independent candidate. I am getting overwhelming support.
Why did you float Daman Diu Vikas Party? What is the programme of your new party?
We have formed regional Daman Diu Vikas Party for UT's development. One of my political friend suggested me to float a regional partyto enhance my bargaining power. I formed the party the day I filed nomination.
Will you remain an independent even after you are elected or you will join some party?
I will remain independent. I might join the government but I will not dissolve Daman Diu Vikas party.
How do you rate your chances?
Very bright. Election is now a mere formality. Even Congress nominee Dr J S Prabhakar and independent candidate from Diu Hemlat Solanki have decided to support me.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
