PANAJI
Speculations about possible reshuffle of the Pramod Sawant-led Cabinet next month, has gained momentum, with ministers being briefed about the likely changes.
Highly placed sources confirmed that moves are afoot to induct Goa Legislative Assembly Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar and Congress defector Margao MLA Digambar Kamat in place of Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira and Fisheries Minister Nilkant Halarnkar.
Sources said Cabinet colleagues were given a “message” about the changes by the chief minister himself, after returning from Delhi earlier this week. The induction of new ministers is expected next month.
Speaking to media persons after his arrival from the national capital, Sawant had, however, ruled out Cabinet reshuffle in the State stating that the Central leadership is currently busy with the government formation in Maharashtra.
Sawant’s sudden visit to New Delhi had triggered rumours of possible Cabinet reshuffle, which has been long-pending. “My visit is not about any political development. Everyone in Delhi is busy with Maharashtra (government formation),” he had said.
When asked about the possibility of ministers relinquishing their posts in the event of a reshuffle, the source said, "What the high command decides is final."
Speculations were rife about Cabinet reshuffle to accommodate Congress defectors, along with Goa Legislative Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar and evaluation of the performance of the ministers, ever since the Lok Sabha poll results. There has been a demand from a section of MLAs, who had switched sides with ministerial aspiration, to be inducted into the Cabinet.
In November, last year, Congress defectors Aleixo Sequeira was sworn in as a minister after the then PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral resigned to make way for him. Since then, speculations of a Cabinet reshuffle to accommodate more Congress defectors like former Chief Minister Kamat, MLA Michael Lobo and MLA Sankalp Amonkar, along with Tawadkar have been rife.
Except for Kamat and Lobo, the BJP government has given key positions to six other defectors in various corporations; however, Sankalp Amonkar has not taken charge of his position and is eyeing a Cabinet berth.
