PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has clarified that any upcoming cabinet reshuffle will be driven by political considerations rather than ministerial performance. His remarks come a day after media reports that he submitted a performance report on each minister to the central leadership in New Delhi.
Speaking on Prudent Media’s Head On programme on Saturday, Sawant confirmed ongoing discussions with senior leaders and indicated that changes could take place soon.
“It will happen at some point after discussions. My ministers are working, the cabinet is functioning well and there is no doubt about their performance. However, if there is a need to accommodate someone for other reasons, that decision lies with the party's high command. It is a political strategy, not a reflection on anyone’s performance,” he said.
He added that each minister has a distinct working style and questions should not be raised about their effectiveness. “The reshuffle will be a political decision… political compulsion but not linked to performance,” he reiterated.
Ahead of the Assembly session, Sawant, along with State BJP president Damodar Naik, submitted a performance report on cabinet ministers to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and senior BJP leaders. BJP National General Secretary (organization) B L Santhosh and other senior leaders are also expected to visit Goa next month.
Speculation over a cabinet reshuffle has been ongoing, particularly regarding the potential inclusion of Congress defectors. The speculation intensified after Goa Legislative Assembly Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar indicated that changes in the government could occur within a fortnight or a month.
Tawadkar mentioned the possible induction of MLAs Digambar Kamat, Nilesh Cabral, Sankalp Amonkar and Michael Lobo. “Everything will be settled in the coming days,” he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, responding to repeated concerns over the proposed private university in Thivim, Sawant defended the project stating that the government aims to develop an educational hub.
“This is not a chemical or polluting industry; it is an educational institution. Every year, over 10,000 students leave Goa for higher studies. The courses they migrate for can be offered here…” he said slamming the opposition and activists for opposing development and progressive projects in the State.
