PANAJI
The suspense over Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude’s exit from the Cabinet continued on Monday, as the State BJP unit decided to put the ball in the high command’s court for the final move.
The much anticipated meeting between BJP party Chief Damodar Naik and Minister Gaude finally took place on Monday, after prolonged delay. During the meeting, Gaude was apparently hinted at his possible exit from the Pramod Sawant-led Cabinet for his anti-government statement while warning him to follow party discipline.
“I met Gaude and heard his side of the story. He explained in what context he was speaking…and many things…party had made certain things clear to him. This is a disciplined party and every member of this party, be it MLA or Minister or a worker, has to follow the discipline. There are appropriate forums to take up wrongdoings, if any,” Naik told The Goan.
Gaude, who had joined BJP in January 2022 -- just a month before the State Assembly elections -- has been on party’s radar for his charge against the government of corruption and malfeasance. Gaude had lashed out at the Tribal Welfare Department, which is under the Chief Minister himself.
The allegation came as a major embarrassment to Sawant and his government.
“We will be submitting the final report to the party high command for a decision. State unit cannot decide on such a crucial issue. The final call has to be taken by the high command,” Naik said.
According to the sources, pending high command decision, the State unit is likely to initiate disciplinary action against Gaude, in a bid to set an example to others within the saffron fold.
Speaking to media persons, Gaude refused to comment stating "have replied to whatever I was asked".
Sources informed that while CM is clear to drop Gaude, the latter has apparently said that he will accept only High Command order.
“Cabinet reshuffle is the CM’s prerogative,” Naik said.
Incidentally, a reshuffle of the Sawant Cabinet has been long overdue and it is expected anytime soon. Though the Cabinet changes, initially, were to accommodate Congress turncoats, some loyal BJP MLAs may also get a chance.
As per speculations, Gaude will be asked to resign and an MLA from tribal community would be sworn in shortly. However, there is no clarity whether it would be Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar or Sanvordem MLA Ganesh Gaonkar.
It is also learnt that apart from Gaude, two more Ministers may be replaced with Congress rebels.
Gaude has been in hot waters for quite some time. The alleged corruption in the renovation work of the iconic Kala Academy structure has also been taken note of by the party, apart from his public fall out against Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar and allies -- MGP.
