PANAJI
Kala Rakhonn Mannd, a collective of stage artistes and performers, has condemned a recent statement by Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude, accusing Marathi actor Sharad Ponkshe of having taken a “supari” against him.
“It is not just baseless. It is reckless, shameful and an insult to every artiste who speaks truth to power. Ponkshe had rightly raised genuine and pressing concerns about the technical failures during the performance of his acclaimed play Purush at Kala Academy on April 13. Despite the setbacks, he displayed grace and professionalism by apologising to the audience for the delay,” a statement issued by the Mannd’s secretary Cecille Rodrigues said.
“Rather than acknowledging systemic issues, offering an apology to the artiste and audience, and committing to resolve the problems, Minister Gaude launched a verbal assault”resorting to wild accusations and personal attacks,” the statement said, adding that it seeks to silence those who dare to demand accountability.
“We, at Kala Rakhonn Mannd, strongly condemn Minister Gaude’s reprehensible conduct. To accuse a respected artiste of conspiracy ” without any evidence and without a shred of decency ” is not only preposterous, it is unfit for a public servant,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Congress has also condemned Gaude’s outburst and demanded that he be sacked as minister.
The Congress’ North Goa District Secretary Pranav Parab said the minister’s undignified comment referring to Ponkshe as “Supari Baaz” reflects the BJP government’s broader contempt for the art and culture fraternity.
“The Congress Party not only strongly condemns Minister Gaude’s offensive remarks but also demands that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant sack him from the cabinet,” Parab said.
