Why was Govind Gaude suddenly removed from the Goa cabinet led by CM Pramod Sawant after he criticised the functioning of the government, especially the Tribal Department, for irregularities? Was there any enquiry into his allegations? Absolutely not. This raises suspicion that something is wrong in the department, as claimed by the minister.
There has been no answer or enquiry into his claims. The only response from the party and some media was that he should not have spoken against the department, calling it against party discipline. But many party members have made statements that hurt the party’s image, yet no action was taken against them. Why was action taken only against Govind Gaude?
The people of Goa deserve an answer from the state and central BJP leadership. Until then, there will be suspicion over whether Gaude was removed to make way for the group of eight MLAs who joined the BJP to strengthen its majority in the Goa Assembly, as reported by media houses. Will the truth about Gaude’s removal ever come out, or will Goans be kept in the dark? Will there be any enquiry into the humiliation of the former minister, or will it be hidden?
Even in court, both the complainant and the defendant are heard before giving a verdict. In Gaude’s case, it seems to be one-way traffic. Time will tell whether Goans, especially people of Priol, will know the truth. From the meeting held on Saturday, it is clear that Gaude has strong support from people across Goa and from Priol. Some critics have shared different views, but if the truth does not come out, people will believe that Gaude was made a scapegoat to accommodate the new faces waiting to become ministers in the cabinet. People in Goa know the party is looking to place these new members, and Gaude was an easy target.
