'Govt. will win, I will be Chief Minister'

By Dilrukshi Handunnetti

Q: How is the ban on campaigning after 6 pm affecting your campaign?

A: More hours for campaigning would be useful. But this is a security measure and there should not be any dispute about that. The region has been cleared of the LTTE but there could be lurking dangers the authorities do not wish the campaigners to be exposed to. It is prudent to accept the ban than fight it.

Q: Who is the government's chief ministerial candidate? You or Pillayan?

A:  If we win, it is most likely to be me. We are bound to win. Our campaign is good and our political presence as the government team is very good.

It is important to bear in mind that the east is a region that is multi ethnic, but there are areas where Muslims are dominant. They are also crucial, politically, economically and agriculturally. Besides, Muslims have been clamoring for a separate unit in the east and would not feel comfortable with a Tamil chief minister - the same way that the northern people would be unhappy with a Sinhala or Muslim political leadership. The dynamics are such, I think the Muslim question will be considered as a priority by the government.

Pillayan too has claimed the job will be his, but eventually I think the government will weigh the situation and decide on me.

Q: During the recently concluded Batticaloa local polls, you claimed what legitimised the election was the presence of the SLMC and nothing else. What made you leave the SLMC?

A: I sure did. All others were government groups. But this election is different. Even the UNP that fought shy last time has entered the fray. There is the JVP and the Left Front. These are signs of a vibrant democracy.

I have been associated with the SLMC for a long time, worked for it, fought on its behalf but the party continues to lose ground. The problem is with the party hierarchy. It is losing appeal as the foremost Muslim political party. And to serve people, one must have political power. It makes sense to work with the governing party. How can one become the chief minister by being in the opposition?

Q: You were an arch critic of the Pillayan Group and SLMC defectors like Ameer Ali for their alleged violence during the Batticaloa poll. How do you now share a platform with them?

A: Mine is a well-considered political decision. I am not even looking at who else is there. My target is to serve the people and to do that, one needs to be in government. This government will win the election, with or without the factions you mentioned.

Also, I should say that there is a marked improvement in the conduct of all groups that are operating in Batticaloa since the March poll. I am open minded about it.

Q: Following you defection, you declared the only way to work and give political leadership to the area is to work with the government. You still could have formed the provincial administration by being in the SLMC?

A: No. As I said before, the SLMC does no have the winning streak. Just look at the defections. Every time the party takes a crucial political decision, a few defect. There is a problem with the SLMC leadership. The party simply cannot keep its cadres together. This was not so when M.H.M. Ashraff was the leader.

The party was formidable and united. Also, it had a strong eastern base. I reiterate, to develop and work for the area, one must have political power. That will happen only if I work with the ruling UPFA. I took this decision for the welfare of the eastern people, specially the Muslims that I represent.

Q: In your opinion, is the east ready for a massive regional poll like this?

A: I think so. The groundwork was laid during the previous election. We had some concerns but it was held without incidents. I think everyone's getting the act together. This election is coming after 14 years. It is significant. People know that following the de-merger, east can create its own identity without becoming an appendage to the north by voting in their own representatives. I am certain that they have wanted this chance for a long time and will make democracy work in the east this time around.

Q: You claimed that a former IGP distributed mammoties and sewing machines during the Batticaloa polls. Are such things happening now as well?

A: Not to my knowledge. But there will always be isolated incidents of bribery and violence during an election. But I think the overall picture is rather promising.

Q: Do you feel that there is greater acceptance of the Pillayan Group by the eastern people as opposed to the time when local authority elections were held?

A: It is possible. There was animosity and opposition a few months ago. They too were not familiar with the workings of a democratic set up. They were also required to fall in line. To a large extent they did, hoping for public acceptance.

There is a possibility that they will elect their candidates to the EPC. The east is likely to get the most diverse as well as vibrant provincial administration this time.

Also, the government's "Eastern Resurgence" programme has gained momentum. People feel there is developmental activity taking place after the east was cleared of the LTTE. They are now keen to enjoy the benefits of peace, democracy and development. The local conditions have truly changed, for the better. I think the EPC will be the icing on the cake when there will be a regional administration after a lapse of 14 years. People have been waiting long enough. I think, just like me, others too are keen to play a role in this new era in the east.

Q: Are you happy with the security provided to the candidates and the areas?

A: I have no complaints. If you recall, despite the violence that prevailed during the Batticaloa local polls, I did not raise questions about the security arrangements. The area is big so there will have been a greater deployment.

Q: Did you defect simply with the hope of becoming the chief minister?

A:  No. I wanted to play a role in the development that now becomes possible for the east. For that, one needs to be in government. That's why I extended support to a party that has shown the winning streak all along. But I believe I am suitable for the post and am most likely to get it. The political dynamics in the east are such that I think I am most suitable for it.