Disciplinary action only after personal hearing: BJP chief
PANAJI
All eyes on the Thursday meeting scheduled between BJP party chief Damodar Naik and Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude, who is currently under radar for his alleged corruption remark against his own government. The party is expected to settle the issue “once for all”.
As a matter of principle justice, the party has decided to take “necessary” action against the Minister only after granting him a personal hearing.
During a tribal event on Sunday, Gaude alleged that there was rampant corruption in the Tribal Welfare Department which is under Chief Minister.
Speaking to The Goan, Naik said that a detailed report over Gaude’s “corruption remark” is submitted to the party high command, based on whose directions necessary action will be initiated. Naik said that the high command has taken serious cognizance of the matter.
Without spelling out what action he intends to take, Naik said “wait till tomorrow (Thursday)…the issue will be over once for all”. “I am currently out…I will be back tonight…will meet Gaude tomorrow and once for all the issue will be over…one cannot take the party and its principles for granted,” he added further.
“As a party president I have got powers to act against the MLA. The CM will act against the Minister. I have three options open before me, which I will announce on Thursday,” Naik said.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has already announced to take action against Gaude.
“A responsible minister should make a responsible statement. I took notice of it. He should not make irresponsible statements. Necessary action will be taken soon. Wait,” Sawant had told media persons on Monday.
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.
In an attempt to bring the situation under control, Gaude, who was out of Goa, met the Chief Minister immediately after his return.
