PANAJI: With a cabinet reshuffle on the cards in Goa, Legislative Assembly Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar has said he is ready to take on any responsibility the party entrusts him with.
“From the time I was an MLA in the Opposition to now as the Speaker, I have always followed the party’s directions. I was a minister once, and now the Speaker. I’m happy to say that I’ve delivered more people-centric work as Speaker than I could as a minister,” Tawadkar said at a press briefing today, addressing speculation about his role in the possible reshuffle.
Tawadkar also pointed to progress under the Canacona Vision and Mission – 2030 plan, stating that nearly 80% of the proposed work has either been completed or is underway. “Within six months of becoming Speaker, I have pushed multiple projects into action mode,” he said.
He listed infrastructure works worth several crores in the sectors of PWD (highways, roads, water supply), WRD, electricity, and MNREGA that have been implemented or are in progress in his constituency. Tawadkar also noted that forest clearances had been obtained for previously stalled development works in Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary areas like Tirval, Nadkem, Keri, and Avali.
The comments come amid renewed chatter about a reshuffle, especially after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo’s recent visit to New Delhi, where they reportedly met the BJP’s central leadership.
While CM Sawant refrained from revealing details, telling the media, “Will let you know later,” when asked about the reshuffle, Lobo maintained that the decision lies with the party’s high command. “At the right time, the national leadership, the CM, and the state president will take the call,” he said, adding that no changes are expected before the upcoming monsoon session.
