Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji

Panaji, Jun 19: In a dramatic turn of events, Goa’s Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude was dropped from the state Cabinet on Wednesday, just weeks after he made corruption allegations against the Department of Tribal Welfare — a portfolio held by Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant.

The move came after weeks of internal deliberations within the BJP. Confirming the decision, Goa BJP President Damu Naik stated that it was a unanimous call taken in consultation with the state government, party leadership, and BJP’s central command. “Party discipline is a must,” Naik asserted, while revealing that the recommendation was formally accepted by Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai.

The action follows a controversy that erupted on May 25 during a Prerna Divas event, where Gaude, who also held Sports and Rural Development portfolios, took veiled yet pointed digs at his own government. Without naming names, he accused the Tribal Welfare Department of inefficiency and alleged that files were being cleared in secrecy with money being extracted from contractors. “Administration has weakened today,” Gaude had remarked, suggesting a deep rot within the system.

These comments, made in a public forum attended by tribal leaders and associations, had sent shockwaves through the political corridors of Goa. BJP leaders, including CM Sawant, had warned of strict action for “irresponsible statements.” Although Gaude later claimed he was misquoted, the damage was already done.

Party sources say CM Sawant had decided on Gaude’s removal soon after the incident, but awaited a green signal from the BJP’s high command in Delhi. Damu Naik had personally travelled to the capital earlier this month to brief senior leaders, leading to Wednesday’s swift execution of the decision.

For now, Gaude’s portfolios will remain with the Chief Minister. BJP sources have hinted that a new Cabinet inductee may be announced soon.

Govind Gaude, a 53-year-old theatre artist-turned-politician and a tribal face of the party from Priol constituency, is no stranger to controversies. He was previously accused of misappropriating ?26 lakh meant for cultural events in Canacona. In 2022, he defended the no-tender renovation of Kala Academy by likening it to Shah Jahan’s construction of the Taj Mahal, drawing sharp criticism.

With this latest political fallout, the ruling BJP in Goa has made it clear that internal dissent — especially when it touches the corridors of power — will not go unpunished.