Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji
Panaji, May 29: In a development that has rattled the political corridors of Goa, Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude has stirred a hornet’s nest by levelling serious allegations against the tribal welfare department, headed by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, sparking dissent from within the ruling BJP government.
Speaking at a public function on Sunday, Minister Gaude did not mince words as he accused the department of secretive dealings and inefficiency, claiming contractor files are “handled in secret” at the Shram Shakti Bhavan. “Something is taken from them (contractors), and then they are allowed to submit files. And they think we do not know about it,” Gaude remarked pointedly, raising eyebrows across the state’s political spectrum.
He further slammed the tribal welfare department for failing to organise events and execute projects despite receiving substantial funds. “A massive amount of taxpayers’ money is allocated to the department, but there is a clear lack of control. Even the long-awaited Tribal Bhavan project has been in limbo for three years, despite the land being handed over and the foundation stone already laid,” he said.
The comments sparked immediate political furore, with Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao of the Congress demanding an anti-corruption bureau probe into the claims. “The silence of the chief minister will only raise more questions. The matter needs to be investigated independently,” Alemao said.
Responding to the controversy, CM Pramod Sawant issued a sharp rebuttal, warning that “appropriate action” would be taken against Gaude. “A responsible minister should speak responsibly. I have taken cognisance of the statement,” he asserted, defending his administration’s integrity.
However, as tensions escalated, Gaude clarified his stance, claiming his remarks were misquoted and misunderstood. Speaking to The Print, he said, “It was never aimed at the chief minister. My concerns were about the department’s officers who delay projects despite clear instructions. This inefficiency reflects poorly not only on the department but on the entire government.”
He also confirmed that he had met CM Sawant personally to clear the air. “I have full faith in his leadership. I told him that I respect him, and my criticism was directed at erring officials, not him,” he added.
While Gaude’s clarification may have softened the political blow, the incident has once again highlighted tensions within the ruling party, with the delay in the Tribal Bhavan project bringing governance and transparency under the spotlight. Political observers now await whether Sawant follows through with disciplinary action or diffuses the matter internally.