PANAJI: Days after sparking controversy with remarks at the Prerana Divas function in Ponda, Minister Govind Gaude has sought to clarify his position, claiming his comments were "misinterpreted" and "misreported" by the media.
In a post on 'X', he said, “I met CM Pramod Sawant and clarified the context of my speech. While reiterating the demands of the United Tribal Associations Alliance (UTAA), my statements were reported inappropriately,” Gaude posted. He said Chief Minister Sawant has always been sensitive to the demands of the Scheduled Tribes community and a “friend of UTAA in its struggles.”
Speaking to the media, Gaude stressed that his comments were not directed as an accusation against the Chief Minister. “I never made any accusation of corruption against the CM. He is my friend, and we’ve worked together for five years,” Gaude stated, adding that he had come all the way to meet the Chief Minister, and it was his “responsibility” to clarify his intent personally.
He also alleged that certain media outlets have a bias against him. “Many reports have an allergy towards me, and I can't do anything about that. Whatever I said about the CM has been misreported,” he claimed.
Reacting to Chief Minister Sawant’s remark that his statement was “irresponsible,” Gaude responded, “I don’t know in what context the CM said that. The BJP is united. It was a simple statement that has been exaggerated. The reporter who was present knows the truth.”
