PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has stirred fresh political speculation with a high-stakes visit to Delhi, accompanied by Calangute MLA Michael Lobo. Their visit hints not only at filling the vacant Cabinet seat but also at the potential for a broader reshuffle within the government.
In a move that is being closely watched by the party ranks and ministerial aspirants, Sawant's meeting with the top central leadership to discuss further changes in the Cabinet and a potential rebalancing of power among the existing ministers -- some of whom are reportedly under the scanner of the BJP high command -- has attracted significant attention.
Interestingly, Sawant met Union Home Minister Amit Shah along with Calangute MLA, further raising speculation of his possible induction in the Cabinet. The meeting comes days after Lobo's birthday celebration where CM announced "ache din for Lobo".
Also, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane’s visit to Delhi, alongside Sawant, has also raised several eyebrows. WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar was also in Delhi to attend the meeting of Cooperation Ministers of all States chaired by Minister Shah.
Despite repeated attempts, CM and Lobo remained unavailable for comments.
"Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant called on the Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah Ji, in New Delhi, accompanied by Calangute MLA Michael Lobo. They discussed key developmental initiatives and political matters related to Goa," CMO said.
Sources confirmed that Lobo is set to be elevated in the cabinet along with Canacona MLA and Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar.
While the BJP in Goa claimed that the Chief Minister’s visit to Delhi was pre-planned, there is no ruling out changes in the cabinet which is expected before the monsoon session of the State Assembly, scheduled from July 21.
BJP President Damodar Naik said that Sawant’s visit to Delhi was pre-planned and any changes in the cabinet or portfolio relocation are CM’s prerogative. He, however, did not rule out the speculations that are making rounds.
“CM met Rajnath Singh (Defence Minister), Amit Shah (Home Minister), Piyush Goyal (Commerce Minister) and BL Santosh (BJP National Secretary). He discussed works related to various departments apart from party organization and other political developments,” Naik said.
The visit comes amid growing chatter within party circle about dissatisfaction with certain ministers' performance, with regards to particular departments.
Sources confirmed that Sawant is likely to drop two more Ministers from the cabinet, apart from complete reallocation of portfolios. “The CM is looking to make changes before the Assembly session. But will have to wait and watch. The new Ministers or existing Ministers with new portfolios should be prepared enough to counter the Opposition’s allegations or charges,” sources said.
“Ultimately, the Central leadership will take the final call,” sources said.
On June 18, Sawant stripped of Minister for Art and Culture and Sports Govind Gaude of cabinet rank, bringing him in par with other State MLAs. The development was long overdue following his outspoken allegations of corruption within the tribal welfare department, a portfolio overseen by CM himself.
Gaude was the second Minister that Sawant dropped from his first full term as the chief minister, after assuming the post in 2022. In November 2023, Sawant had dropped Nilesh Cabral as the PWD minister paving way for Congress turncoat Alexio Sequeria’s cabinet berth.
Incidentally, a full-fledged reshuffle of the Sawant cabinet has been overdue ever since eight Congress turncoats joined the saffron fold in September 2022. Sources claim that some BJP loyalist may also get elevated, including one from the tribal community.
