PANAJI
Amid speculation about a potential cabinet reshuffle in Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant submitted a performance cum report card of his cabinet colleagues to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and senior BJP leaders.
Sawant, who is currently in Delhi along with BJP State President Damodar alias Damu Naik, also briefed Shah on the likely political development in the State. BJP national general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh and other senior leaders are expected to visit the State next week.
Speaking to The Goan, Sawant confirmed about having political discussion with Shah; but refused to speak in detail. “I am still in Delhi…will speak in detail later,” he said.
Highly placed sources confirmed that the Chief Minister as well as party president has submitted performance evaluation report of the Ministers to high command. “The performance review was conducted based on the directions of the High Command. The reports are submitted and necessary discussions have taken place,” sources said.
Sources said that any changes, if to be taken place, would be only after the Budget Session.
Speculations were rife about cabinet reshuffle to accommodate Congress turncoats for quite some time or rather since the time Lok Sabha polls were held.
The buzz got momentum after Goa Legislative Assembly Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar announced the possible changes in the Sawant-led government within a fortnight or a month.
Tawadkar had said that there have been speculations with regards to possible induction of MLAs like Digambar Kamat, Nilesh Cabral, Sankalp Amonkar and Michael Lobo. “Everything will be settled in the coming days,” he had said.
Last year, State remained abuzz over possible reshuffle in the Sawant-led cabinet and the same gained momentum after outgoing BJP State President Sadanand Shet Tanavade hinted at the likely development in the New Year. The news had remained speculative throughout 2024 with BJP ditching out several deadlines.
There were initial talks about Sawant replacing two of his Ministers to accommodate the new entrants.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, while addressing media persons, Minister for Social Welfare Subhash Fal Dessai said that the cabinet reshuffle is a prerogative of the Chief Minister.
“Ministers’ performance is being reviewed constantly. The decision will be taken in consultation with high command. If CM or party feels that any Minister is lagging behind or there is need for a change then the decision will be taken in the interest of the State,” he said.
