PANAJI
After being dropped from State cabinet in a dramatic political turn on Goa Revolution Day, MLA and former minister Govind Gaude in a strongly worded statement expressed gratitude to BJP and the government for what he termed a “rewarded fate” for standing with downtrodden communities.
“I have been rewarded this fate on the Goa Revolution Day for standing up for the downtrodden communities,” Gaude said in a message posted on social media.
“I thank my party for giving me the opportunity for which this action has been taken against me and helping me to decide between truth and power," he added.
Gaude, known for his vocal support of tribal welfare and grassroots development, has been increasingly critical of internal party dynamics and alleged neglect of community concerns.
He, however, maintained that he is yet to receive any official communication on the development from the government.
"Till now I am not been told anything. On the Department of Information and Publicity website I saw a notification and decided to issue statement," he said.
Gaude said that he will come before media soon in more detailed statement.
UTAA prefers to remain silent
MARGAO: As Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s decision to drop Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude came as a big surprise on Goa Revolution Day, the United Tribal Association Alliance (UTAA) has preferred to remain mum on the issue.
In fact, UTAA chief Prakash Velip has preferred not to offer any comments on the Chief Minister’s decision to drop Govind Gaude.
When The Goan called up the UTAA chief for his comment on the Chief Minister’s decision, Prakash Velip said, “I have no comments to offer”.
When it was pointed out to him that UTAA had rallied behind the beleaguered Art and Culture Minister after the Chief Minister had mulled action against Gaude for his remarks at the functioning of the Tribal Welfare Department, Prakash said, “A delegation of UTAA had called on the Chief Minister to clarify on the episode since the alleged incident had taken place on UTAA’s platform on the occasion of Prerna Dis. I have nothing more to comment.”
