The current turmoil within the tribal communities in the State, triggered by the crackdown on the United Tribal Association Alliance (UTAA), has signs of a deeper political upheaval. Days after Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude was sacked from the Pramod Sawant Cabinet, the South Goa District Registrar and Inspector General of Societies issued an order last week restraining Prakash Velip and other leaders from functioning as UTAA’s executive members.
The action follows a complaint filed by members of the Gawda, Kunbi, Velip and Dhangar communities and others, seeking to declare the 2022 election of UTAA's executive body led by Prakash Velip, Durgadas Gaude, and Nanu Bandolkar as null and void while alleging that it was formed in violation of UTAA’s bylaws. Interestingly, Velip has been holding the post since 2007, and it is intriguing why such a challenge would arise at this stage, given that the next election is due in September 2025 — barely three months away. Also, why would this issue take such an urgency, especially when the BJP has had good ties with the tribal leaders?
UTAA, a prominent tribal organisation with roots spanning over two decades, has long been a voice for a major section of the tribal communities. Its leaders, including Prakash Velip, have historically been rallying for tribal solidarity. The Gaude link: A dominant tribal leader, Gaude enjoyed great support among the tribal communities because he championed their causes. If we recall, Velip and team had threatened to come to the streets if Gaude was sacked while sending a stern message across. What happened, no doubt is history. Gaude had gone swearing by the unity of UTAA, and the state government is seeking to demonstrate that tribal unity is fragile.
The current development suggests a possible attempt by the BJP to recalibrate tribal politics in the state, and also settle scores with Gaude by easing his grip on the organisation. Through this action, the BJP has sent a strong message that those targeting the party will not be spared. Unseating Velip and the team is a big move that may have a major impact on the organisation, and the timing suggests a measured attempt to reassert dominance over tribal politics.
While the politics plays in the background, it is intriguing to see how the BJP stands to gain in the long run vis-à-vis the tribal voters, especially when other parties are trying to woo the community. Moreover, it runs the risk of splitting the organisation by bringing in abrupt changes to the order. The fact that tribal leaders from within the community, such as GAKUVED, have openly condemned the restraining orders suggests a broader concern about tribal autonomy being compromised under political pressure.
The timing of the developments appears to be less about administrative legality and more about strategic political manoeuvring. The crackdown on UTAA’s leadership, coinciding with Gaude’s removal from the cabinet, suggests an effort to hit back at those targeting the party. Whether this will have political repercussions for the BJP remains uncertain, especially since major sections of the tribal communities continue to align with the BJP and see it as their primary protector. What remains clear is that the communities are caught in a complex web of political interests, and their unity or division could significantly influence Goa’s political narrative in the near future.
