In an unprecedented charge, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Ramesh Tawadkar launched a fierce tirade against Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude just before the beginning of the budget session. He charged Gaude with misappropriation of funds alleging that several organisations had fraudulently obtained funds of around Rs 26.85 lakhs from the department for various programmes without actually holding these events.
Tawadkar called Gaude “indisciplined and irresponsible” while seeking a probe by the government and party heads. The charge stunned the political fraternity and onlookers because Tawadkar has been known for his calm disposition. Gaude, on the other hand, suggested that he is open to an inquiry while also claiming that there are systems in place for submitting “utilisation certificates” that effectively rule out any fraud.
Ever since the feud erupted between the two, groups owing allegiance to the two leaders have been coming out with contrasting narratives that have only added to the confusion. However, true to the swift ground handling of the BJP leadership, and following an impromptu meeting with both Tawadkar and Gaude, the issue seems to have been given an immediate burial.
On Monday, the first signs of a compromise emerged when the House reassembled for the second day’s business and the Speaker stepped back and disallowed an adjournment motion and discussion on the issue sought by Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao. While BJP’s floor management may take the credit for troubleshooting the issue before it could escalate and cause embarrassment to the party, the Speaker ended up as the fall guy. By not allowing a debate on his own charge of misappropriation, Tawadkar has sent a wrong message unbecoming of a ceremonial head of the House. Not allowing a discussion on the issue meant that the Speaker has buckled under political pressure.
It was incumbent upon Tawadkar to justify his charge, especially when he was making it against a minister who was already facing scrutiny in the Kala Academy renovation contract. By levelling unsubstantiated allegations against Gaude, Tawadkar has not only shot himself in the foot but also taken his rivalry with Gaude to a different level.
While the Tawadkar-Gaude diatribe is one side of the story, the unity of tribals across the State who assembled in Panaji demanding political reservations mandated by the Constitution, provided a perfect contrast. The tribals - men, women and youth with placards in their hands -- swarmed Panaji and tried to march to the Legislative Assembly to make a forceful plea for quotas. The picture of the tribals on the streets relentlessly pursuing an issue spoke a thousand words even as their leaders were at war within the hallowed precincts of the House.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant may have brokered momentary peace between the two warring leaders, but the silence on the issue does not resolve the larger question. In this case, either Tawadkar has got it all wrong, or Gaude has lost the count of funds. An internal compromise is not the answer to a public issue, neither is the ‘behind-the-scene’ compromise of both Tawadkar and Gaude. Both leaders represent people and are accountable to them. Burying the hatchet on the sly is not acceptable and does not absolve either.
