PANAJI
Nipping speculation in political circles of a possible reshuffle of his cabinet, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant categorically ruled out any such move.
Sawant said there is no thinking of going in for any changesceither in composition of the ministers or the portfolios they hold.
Reports of a change in the cabinet surfaced after Ports Minister, Michael Lobo made statements to that effect.
Speaking to a news outlet, Lobo had said on Tuesday that a reshuffle is on the cards after the Zilla Panchayat polls are held with new faces being inducted to replace "non-performing ministers".
Sawant however categorically denied any such possibility and said: "Ministers do not decide on reshuffles. The party decides."
Earlier on Wednesday, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) State president, Sadanand Tanavade, said Lobo had no locus-standi to make such a comment.
"Ministers should not comment on such matters," Tanavde said, adding that they should concentrate on issues related to the portfolios in their charge.
Tanavade also said it is the chief ministers prerogative to decide the composition of his cabinet and as long as he has not spoken of it, there is no queston.
Tanavade also said any such decision is taken up by the chief minister for deliberation within the party and also with the central leadership but Sawant has done no such thing as yet.
