An open letter to my constituency voters – Why Me? - by Sanjeev Naik

24.04.09,

In an advertisement appearing on television Channels lately, a youth is shown interviewing a candidate who comes seeking his vote. The candidate takes umbrage; however the youth is adamant stating that he needs to know the candidate’s record before voting. While the reaction of the candidate is on expected lines, the act of the youth is a welcome change that is visible in the voters today.

The incidents of the 26/11 have shaken and stirred the conscience of all Indians. Everyone has realized that no one is detached from the happenings in the country. This is our country and we have to fight it enemies together, united.

For this it is very important that we set our house in order first. The awakening amongst the countrymen is translating into questions and thoroughly analyzed decisions. Gone are the days when elections were considered by most as a day of public holiday. There is an urge now to ensure that one is heard and heard well. The people are speaking out and are determined to ensure that their voice is carried by the right people to the corridors of power where the actual decisions are taken.

The 15th lok Sabha will be a test of the resolve of the people and a litmus test for the candidates.
This is the age of the youth. And only the youth have it in them to make a difference to the scheme of things. 75% of our country today is below the age of 40 years. Unfortunately just 7% of the MPs today are from this age group. It is time for Change.

I, Sanjeev Ganesh Naik, a candidate of the Congress, Nationalist Congress Party and RPI Alliance very humbly appeal to you to vote for me. To give me an opportunity to serve you, our state and our country. And I don’t appeal to you to take this decision blindly.

I reiterate that this time when you vote, stop to think first. Analyze me and all the other candidates from our 25 Thane Lok sabha constituency. Take into account our past record, experience, work for the society, dedication, Integrity, Credibility, character and image. Grade us all and I am sure, you will understand that my appeal to you for your precious vote is based no on the quest for power but backed by consistent performance and the right credentials.

I had the good fortune of being born in a family that has always been dedicated to social service. My father Shri.Ganeshji Naik, has always been a social worker first and then a politician. His efforts for the upliftment of the workers, the locals, his proactive stand in welcoming the new settlers of the city and helping them to identify with the regions, his progressive ideas, developmental work and his secular credentials are all a matter of record.

I was initiated into a social service at a very early age. The official recognition came with me becoming the Mayor of Navi Mumbai at the age for just 23 years, in 1995, the youngest in the country as recorded in Limca Book of Records.

I decided to use my age to my advantage and took decisions which traditionalists thought were very bold or may be even reckless. I however was very clear bout what I wanted for my city.

In a decision that will benefit generation to come, I, as the Mayor of Navi Mumbai acquired Morbe Dam for the City, when nobody in the state was ready to touch the almost shelved project. Today, NMMC, the only corporation in the country, post independence to own a dam, does not just have enough water for its residents to ensure a 24 X 7 Supply, but also surplus water to cater to the needs of those residing outside the city. This in the scenario when water supply is a major concern throughout the world is an unprecedented achievement.

I have always stressed on hygiene, efficient civic services and the need to involve the citizens in various projects to improve the conditions in the city. This helped NMMC win the prestigious Sant Gadgebaba cleanliness campaign of the State Government.

I conceptualized the three sewage Treatment Plant (STP) projects based on the advance C-Tech technology from Australia. The STPs are being developed in Vashi, Nerul and Airoli. The water treated here will be almost as good as drinking water. The water will be used in industries, for gardening and washing purposes. NMMC will be able to sell the water for commercial gains. The project will help reduce pollution in the creek where such water was earlier released.

My efforts have converted the dumping ground from an eye sore polluting necessity to a city resource. The Solid Waste Management programme in Navi Mumbai is arguably the best in the country with the recommendations of the Supreme Court to protect the environment, being implemented completely. The projects for reducing the emission of the poisonous methane gas, the earning of Carbon Credits, recycling of garbage into fertilizer and fuel at the Turbhe dumping ground have received international appreciation and recognition.

I believe that ones culture and heritage is a true source of inspiration for all of us. Through my organization Navi Mumbai Kala and Krida mandal, I have helped promote Maharashtra’s rich culture along with providing the city with its own tourist attractions and heritage. The magnificent statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj gallantly riding a horse and the depiction of the life of the Maharaj through the engraved murals at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk in Vashi has become tourist attractions by themselves.

I have also ensured that the young ones of Thane District get the right platform to exhibit their talent. Millions of children have received encouragement and had an opportunity to participate in various competitions like “Chitra Bharati, sports meets, drama competitions etc organized by Navi Mumbai krida Sankul. I have also been involved with the successful pulse polio campaign at the local and National level.

In association with the Akhil Bharaitya Natya Parishad, I have promoted dance and drama in the city, Local artistes, bhajan mandals as well as top artistes of the state and country have been felicitated and encouraged through various concerts and programmes.
My selfness service to the city has been appreciates at the highest level. I have recently been conferred a “Doctorate” by the International Tamil university of Maryland USA. The honour is recognition of the services rendered by me towards environmental conservation, health and hygiene. The Sewage Treatment Plant project and my work in National polio Prevention campaign have come in for special mention.

I have also worked hard to help the city get funds and grants from the state and Central governments for its infrastructural projects.
The hallmark of a success full social worker is his ability to successfully and efficiently implement his plans for the benefit of the common man, on a wide range of issues, simultaneously. I believe,

I a social worker to the core, have accomplished this and more.

Being a youth has helped me to be progressive, have a vision that is helping change the face of the city that is witnessing world class development.

I have vowed to dedicate not just my youth but my life for the service of the people. I believe I am the candidate that we are all looking for to lead us to progress and prosperity. A man with the clean image for the 25 Thane Lok Sabha constituency. I am your very own candidate.

I have explained to you my qualifications. Time now for you to check out the others and then take an informed and well judged decision. I humbly believe you will agree with my view point and my candidature.

Press the button adjacent the “Clock” symbol when you go to cast your precious vote on April 30, 2009. Vote for Progress and prosperity. Vote for character.

Your Very Own
DR. Sanjeev Ganesh Naik.

Congress-NCP-RPI Candidate from Thane Constituency Dr.Sanjeev Naik Releases Party Manifesto.

22.04.09,

NCP-Congress-RPI candidate Dr. Sanjeev Naik released his manifesto during a press conference which included many burning issues concerning Navi Mumbai, Thane and Mire-Bhayander.

NCP-Congress-RPI candidate Dr. Sanjeev Naik presented his manifesto in front of a huge gathering of media persons in Vashi. The manifesto included some of the most burning issues of Navi Mumbai, Thane and Mira-Bhayander. Some of the issues included were water shortage, water transport service, basic amenities and ring-route rail service. He also expressed concern over the fact that many voters would be going to their native place during the time of voting day which may have a huge impact on the outcome of votes.

However, he was hopeful that voters will come out that day and vote. Present during the release of the manifesto was Navi Mumbai Congress President Namdeo Bhagat, MLC Manda Mhatre, Mayor Anjani Bhoir, Deputy Mayor Shashikant Biraajdaar, Opposition leader Ramakant Mhatre and others.

Manifesto released by Sanjeev Naik

NEWSBAND
22.04.09,

Vashi: Dr. Sanjeev Naik, the nominee of NCP-Congress-RPI (Athavale) alliance for the Lok sabha election, has released his party’s election manifesto, CIDCO Director and DCC President Namdeo Bhagat, MLC Manda Mhatre, NCP Navi Mumbai district president Gopinath Thakur, RPI (A) District President Sidram Ohol, Mayor Anjani Bhoir, Dy Mayor Shashikant Birajdar, opposition leader Ramakant Mhatre, Corporator Vitthal More, were present on the occasion.
Here are the few highlights of the manifesto

For NAVI MUMBAI

. Let maximum possible Funds Sanctioned from Center & MMRDA through JNNURM, for Economic upliftment of the Constituency’s Poor people, and projects like Palm Beach Flyover & other Facilities.

· Enhancing the status of Navi Mumbai Railway Stations at par with International standards & by Public Demand, have 12 Coach Trains started.

· Start Seaways Passenger Ferries.

· Establish Airport & Monorail Services.

· Get as many as possible Outstation Destination Trains to pass Through Belapur junction.

· Establish Ring-Rail-route Connecting Uran-Belapur-Vashi-Panvel-etc.

· DEVELOP Tourist spots wherever possible on the CRZ reserved shorelines.

· Establish entertainment spots like Boating Clubs, etc.

· Speedup the work on Bharat Ratna Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar bhavan.

· Erect a Memorial of renowned social worker &literature Late Annabhau Sathe, the leader of Matang Community.

· Establish a cultural Center especially for the original inhabitants of Navi Mumbai the Agri-Koli community.

· Establish sports complexes Swimming pools wherever possible in Navi Mumbai

· Aggressively follow-up Vitava underpass clearance from the center, which is pending since ages.

· Build Fencing Wall beside Rail-tracks & nurture Greenery on the outer side.

· Get Employment Reservations & Income Source Sanctions for the Financially Affected by the Railway Acquisitions.

· Have the Unutilized Immoveable CPWD Properties Transferred Under Navi Mumbai Mahan agar Palika, and Develop them to the Benefits of Navi Mumbaikars.

· Develop International standard Planetarium, Museum& Aquarium.

· Have ‘Skywalks” Constructed at all possible road crossing points, from people’s safety point of view.

· To make Navi Mumbai women Financially Sound, get funds sanctioned from Central Govt. for the Mahila bachat gats (Women’s saving schemes).

· Assure ample 24 x 7 Water supply to the city for years to come, by implementing advance technology &reduce loop holes leakages.

· Try & get the maximum possible benefits from central Govt’s public welfare schemes, to reach Navi Mumbaikars.

·Establish and independent Tehsildaar’s office, to meet the administrative needs of Navi Mumbai’s fast growing population.

Our Manifesto for Thane

· Resurvey & solve the Waste- management & dumping-ground problems.

·Develop an international standard railway station in-place of the Mental hospital &start monorail.

· To supplement Thane’s ample water –supply, try & avail as much possible disbursements from the Maharashtra Govt sanctioned funds, for the Shai Dam.

· Start ‘piped cooking Gas’ supply project.

· Improve-n –increase CNG fuel supply pumps for local vehicles.

· Try for ‘Conveyance Deed’ of housing societies from State Govt.

· Solve problems of slum on MIDC land.

· Penalize &regularize all possible unauthorized constructions of the city on basis of Ulhasnagar.

· Attract National & international tourist by building International Shallow water park & also create jobs for locals.

·Try& create exclusive routes for heavy outstation vehicles. & ease the local traffic load.

· Develop an International standard Zoo at Manpada.

· Establish one day Entertainment activities center for the Middle–Class.

· Develop Eco-friendly tourist spot on the lines of Matheran near the Thane city on beautiful green Mountains.

· Redevelop dilapidated structures by getting additional FSI sanctions from Maharashtra Govt.

· To Provide all facilities to had a residential complex in Thane just Like Mumbai & get the required permission for the same.

· Properly use the U.P.A’s ambitions projects to build dream houses for the poor people in Thane City.

· Try & get Long –Distance trains to halt at Thane Station.

· Improve Thane Station & also establish a passengers lodging.

· Establish Thane- Vashi Karjat-KAsara harbor rail links of the 12 Coaches, increase Frequency.

·Try 7Get More Ladies Special Local-Trains Started.

·Relocate the divisional M.S.E.B office at Thane for proper distribution taking into consideration the increasing population in the city.

·Boost the Telephone Exchange Capacity.

·Try & Get Additional Power sanction form the Center & solve load Shedding Problem.

·Try to Get Justice to the effected farmers by making changes in the CRZ rules to get better rates for the farm land.

.Increase Number of Post offices.

·Get Additional Funds’ Sanctions for Savings Schemes.

·Establish beneficial projects for Young ladies through the Government.

·Start establishing Ghodbander- Baalkum service road according to Plans.

·As much as possible try 7save medium &small-scale industries of Thane by establishing consistent rapport with the Industrialists & industrial World.

· Try to reroute & extend Ghatkopar-Mulund Mumbai Metro train to Borivali via Ghodbunder.

· Convert Thane MIDC into IT MIDC & create maximum employment for youth.

· Develop international convention center not available at present near Mumbai.

·To reduce the trafiic congestion & pollution from the center of the Thane city ( Navpada, Jambhi naka, Tembhi Naka, Bazarpeth) develop a station outside the city. Also built a skybus form this station to the main areas.

·Provide special life Insurance & Medical policies for Senior Citizens & build Heart, Neuro, Uro Super Specialty hospital on the plot of mental hospital.

·Develop International standard educational projects under the sub Division of Mumbai university in Thane city.

·Build a Business Management center in Thane on the lines of London School of economics.

NCP candidate Sanjeev Naik’s Interview

The Indian Express,

Thursday, April 16- 2009,

Q 1 Have you been introspecting after your defeat in May 2008 in the Thane Parliamentary bu- polls?

Ans: Yes, of course. There were several reasons for the defeat. First: We Didn’t get expected lead in Navi Mumbai owing to the large number of Non-Marathi Population. Second: We did not got expected lead in Navi Mumbai owing to the large Number of Non-Marathi Population. Third: my nomination was announced quite late and we had very less time for preparation to cover the large Thane constituency. Since the defeat, we have devoted our time into analysis of the poll data and trying to fix those problems.

Q 2 Since the victory of BJP’s Ramchandra kapse in 1989, Thane Seat has been dominated by the BJP-Sena combine and has several pockets with loyal voters of the saffron alliance. Do you plan to canvass in such areas?

Ans: I will campaign in all area irrespective of their political leanings. So far the response I am getting from the people who are “So Called Sena-BJP voters’ is overwhelming. I will also be campaigning in Naupada in Thane city which is traditionally considered to be full of saffron voters and I have years of performance to show to the people.

Q 3 What are the Issues that you are highlighting in your campaigns?

Ans: I will be showcasing Navi Mumbai to the people of Thane. The Planned development is for everybody to see. I Strongly feel that candidates should have vision and my vision is holistic development. In Navi Mumbai we have worked towards reducing the impact of rapid urbanization on the environment . Navi Mumbai’s is the only civic body to have its sewage treatment plant. I believe other civic bodies should also have their own sewage treatment plants. I also have plans for decentralization of sewage treatment plants with the big housing complexes having their own sewage treatment plants.

Sanjeev Naik’s hectic campaigning, meetings scheduled on the 38th Birthday.

15.04.09,

It’s a birthday he will remember forever. Amidst hectic electioneering, Naik will Celebrate his birthday today. “I would rather be surrounded by friends, followers and well-wishers than sit at home. This is not the time for Merry making,” said Naik who turns 38.

Naik went home at Balaji Gardens barely for an hour on Tuesday late night to seek the blessing s of parents and spend some time with his family before rushing to Bhayander. “I have packed schedule on Wednesday. We had a family get-together on Tuesday Night and then I went back to Bhayander where I have to attend meetings from 8 am to 10 am. The restof the day will be spent in Thane,” said an enthusiastic Naik.

In the meanwhile, his friends and party members pledged their support on the eve of his birthday. NCP corporator Jayaji nath Said,
“Our birthday gift would be that we would work even harder and reach out to more people. W e will seek people’s blessings and ensure that our leader wins the forthcoming elections with a huge margin. That will be the best birthday gift.”
With barely ten days left for voting, Naik has his hands full and is busy trying to woo people in the Thane constituency are educated persons. 74 percent of the total voters reside in the city and semi-urban pockets.

The changing population dynamics has forced political parties to redesign their poll campaigns. Issues related to infrastructure, transportation, housing etc have emerged as matters of prime importance, Naik said during interview.