PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has once again dismissed speculation of a Cabinet reshuffle as he held a crucial meeting with ministers and MLAs, fuelling rumours of a possible reshuffle ahead of the legislative Assembly session.
“Now only the Assembly session is the focus. There’s no Cabinet reshuffle,” he replied to media questions about the possibility of a reshuffle. The meeting's agenda included legislative matters, he added, although, in a rare instance, the MLAs were also present in the meeting held at Porvorim on Monday.
It was seen that amidst the meeting, Ministers Govind Gaude and Nilkanth Halarnkar left the discussion midway, further intensifying speculation. Former minister Nilesh Cabral, among other attendees, stated he would accept any responsibility given by the party.
“Even if it is the CM position, I will take it. Tomorrow if I am given any responsibility, I won’t hesitate to accept it,” he told reporters.
Rumours indicate that Cabral might be appointed as the Speaker replacing current Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar who will get a cabinet berth. At least four new inductions are on the cards even as the CM is tight-lipped on any such changes.
Sources revealed to The Goan that Minister for Environment Aleixo Sequeira might face the axe while ex-CM Digambar Kamat’s induction is also not ruled out.
“The party high command is upset with the minister after the defeat in South Goa Lok Sabha polls. There are moves to replace him with a new minister,” sources said.
Sequeira however stated that his induction in the cabinet was CM Sawant’s decision. “If CM doesn’t want me, I am ready to go. I never asked for a cabinet rank. CM had offered it and now it will be his decision again,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sawant stated he held a review of the issues scheduled to be taken up during the assembly session and to ensure the passing of the Budget, etc.
Speaking about incessant rainfall and disaster management, Sawant mentioned that he is closely monitoring the situation with both district magistrates, who head the disaster management teams, and urged people to avoid venturing into hazardous areas during heavy rains.
