the goan I network
PANAJI
Independent MLA, Prasad Gaonkar, who is part of the ruling coalition skipped the swearing in ceremony reportedly to register his protest and unhappiness over being overlooked for any significant responsibility in the government.
Gaonkar, who is part of the group of six led by TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai was in Panaji but deliberately avoided attending it to show dissent.
Gaonkar is the only MLA from among three Independents in the ruling coalition not to find a berth in the Cabinet. The other two Independents -- Rohan Khaunte and Govind Gaude -- are ministers from day one. The Sanguem MLA has also been made chairman of an insignificant State-owned Corporation -- The Goa Forest Development Corporation.
Gaonkar is said to have taken up his grievance through TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai, and staked claim to the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) which will now be vacated by Cabral who has been made minister. The BJP leadership, however, snubbed the Sanguem MLA and has conveyed that his demand cannot be met because GTDC is part of the BJP’s quota and non-negotiable. An upset Gaonkar then told Sardesai that he would not come to the swearing-in ceremony and skipped it.
