'We have learnt a lesson'

Deputy Speaker of Goa Assembly Michael Lobo has emerged as the BJP's face among the state's non-Hindus and the youth. His office probably sees more visitors every day than any minister's. A big supporter of Parrikar, Lobo says it's time for the cabinet to deliver.

Q. Has Manohar Parrikar changed?

A. Yes. He is working with double enthusiasm. His grip on the administration has tightened. He has set a timeframe for certain goals.

Q. What is the Parrikar government's future?

A. Those who were criticising us from the Opposition benches are now in the government. They will have to perform to stay relevant.

Q. Why is dissent brewing in the BJP?

A. One or two people does not mean the party. If a mandal pramukh (Siddhesh Naik) has been removed, there must be reasons for it.

Q. How do you look at the situation where only the chief minister is originally from the BJP?

A. The people almost gave a verdict for us to sit in the Opposition. Isn't it good that we are in power?

Q. What are the BJP's lessons from the Goa polls?

A. That personal relations and not development work will matter the most. Our previous government did extremely good work, yet seven of our ministers lost. It is a lesson for each of us.