Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jun 18: In a significant political development, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday dropped Govind Gaude from the state cabinet, ending weeks of speculation surrounding the Art and Culture Minister’s future in the government.

The decision, taken after consultation with the BJP’s central leadership, was conveyed to the governor, who accepted the recommendation with immediate effect. The chief minister will now hold Gaude’s portfolios, including Art and Culture, Sports Affairs, and the Rural Development Agency.

"This decision was made in consultation with the party's central leadership and communicated officially to the governor," Sawant confirmed.

Goa BJP president Damodar Naik also termed the move as a unanimous decision in line with party discipline. “It was done with complete consultation between the government, state leadership, and central leadership,” he said.

Although no official reason was cited, sources said Gaude had fallen out of favour after he made public allegations about corruption in the Tribal Affairs Department, a portfolio under CM Sawant. During a public event on May 25, Gaude had alleged irregularities in administrative procedures, claiming contractors were pressured for bribes before their files were processed.

CM Sawant had responded sharply, warning that ministers should behave responsibly, and BJP’s state president summoned Gaude for clarification. A report was then forwarded to the party high command.

A first-time MLA in 2017, Gaude was elected as an independent with BJP support and inducted into Manohar Parrikar's cabinet. He officially joined the BJP before the 2022 elections and retained his Priol seat, defeating Deepak Dhavalikar of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party.

However, Gaude has faced multiple controversies, including a ?26 lakh scandal over unorganized events, and his infamous comment defending the ?55 crore Kala Academy renovation without tenders, saying, "Shah Jahan too had not called for tenders when building the Taj Mahal."

With Gaude’s ouster, the political landscape in Goa may see further churn, especially among tribal voters where he was seen as a significant face.