PANAJI
Suspense still looms over the possible expansion of the Pramod Sawant-led cabinet as there is no clarity yet from the BJP high command on the issue. With top leaders adopting their own strategies in approving cabinet expansion, BJP chief Damodar Naik hinted at possible changes at “all levels”.
The BJP national general secretary BL Santosh’s visit to the coastal State days after political turmoil in the ruling camp following Minister Govind Gaude’s “corruption” remark against the Chief Minister-headed tribal department, had further raised speculations of possible changes in the State cabinet. However, post-meeting, Naik ruled out any such development at the moment, but maintained “changes will come at the right time”.
There is a strong buzz within the ruling camp that Sawant and the BJP State leadership are seriously exploring the possibilities of a cabinet reshuffle; but in the absence of a “green signal” from high command, the developments are held up.
Speaking to The Goan after the meeting with Santosh, Naik said, “We had discussions on a series of topics including government, organisation and others”.
“Our discussion was not restricted to just one person but overall political happenings. I have informed him about the latest happenings and he guided me accordingly,” Naik said when asked whether a discussion was held with regards to possible action against Minister Gaude.
Responding to the cabinet reshuffle, Naik said, “Changes will happen at all levels…changes will come at the right time…”
Last Thursday, Naik held a meeting with Gaude and the decision was left to the high command. “Nothing has come of that,” Naik said.
Gaude, who had joined BJP in January 2022 — just a month before the State Assembly elections — has been on the party’s radar for his charge against the government of corruption and malfeasance.
