Liberated for choosing truth over power: Govind Gaude
Former art and culture minister Govind Gaude issued a defiant statement following his ouster from chief minister
Pramod Sawant
's cabinet on Wednesday. Gaude said he would always choose 'truth over power' and termed his removal as a 'liberation' to voice the struggles of the oppressed.
In his statement on social media platforms, Gaude said: 'There can be no greater honour than to be recognised on Goa Revolution Day for standing with the weak and oppressed. I am grateful to govt and the party for liberating me to give voice to the struggle — the very cause for which govt has taken this stance. When faced with the choice between power and truth, I will always choose truth.'
Gaude's removal from the cabinet stemmed directly from his attack on the tribal welfare department during a Prerna Din function on May 25, where he launched a scathing criticism of the department's administrative efficiency and transparency, and veiled allegations of corruption. The department is under CM Sawant.
Political observers said by terming his dismissal as 'liberation', Gaude has signalled his intention to continue to champion the cause of the tribals despite losing his ministerial position.
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Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
CM hits back at Gaude over tribal welfare criticism
Margao: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday mounted a strong defence of his govt's performance on the tribal welfare front, taking veiled swipes at Govind Gaude, whom Sawant had recently sacked as the art and culture minister. Gaude's ouster followed his corruption charges against the CM-led tribal welfare department and accusations of inefficiency. Speaking at the launch of the Dharti Aabha Janbhagidari Abhiyan at Sanguem, Sawant listed various schemes and initiatives launched for tribals during his tenure as CM. 'And someone says I haven't done anything for the tribals,' Sawant said, alluding to Gaude's criticism. 'I may not be related by blood with my tribal brethren, but I have an emotional connect with them, a social relationship, something that comes from within, and therefore, I was able to implement 100% of the schemes.' Sawant said, 'If anything, caring for tribals runs in BJP's DNA. Previous govts wouldn't even acknowledge the existence of tribal communities, let alone their issues.' To drive home the point on his tribal welfare initiatives, Sawant said that when he took over, 10,000 applications were pending under the Forest Rights Act. 'My govt was able to grant sanads to 3,500 applicants,' he said. 'The rest will get the sanads by Dec 19 this year.' The administration is working in the mission mode to achieve the target, Sawant said. He also pointed to the establishment of the tribal commission and the tribal corporation after he took over as CM. He said a tribal research centre is being set up at Sanguem, a tribal museum has been proposed at Farmagudi, and the Kunbi village at Sanguem is set to be ready in three months. In a pointed jibe at Gaude, Sawant said, 'It pains me deeply when I come to know of the hardships any of my tribal brothers face, be it for want of a toilet or a tap, and that speaks of my passion for uplifting the tribals.' Sawant said, 'Many who had blood relationships with tribals came and went but couldn't do anything worthwhile.' Union minister for tribal affairs Jual Oram and state social welfare minister Subhash Phal Dessai were among those present for the function.
Indian Express
24-06-2025
- Indian Express
Goa minister says he was given ‘chillar' portfolios, but is confident he won't be dropped from Cabinet
Amid speculation of a Cabinet reshuffle in Goa, state Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai said that despite having got 'chillar' portfolios, he performed well and is confident he won't be removed from the Cabinet. Phal Dessai, who also holds Archives, River Navigation and Archaeology portfolios, was responding to questions from the media on the possibility of a Cabinet reshuffle and whether he was under any pressure. 'I have been a faithful soldier of the party for the past 25-30 years. I have worked at various posts in the party — from a booth member to mandal president. I started my career as a panch member, then became a member of zilla panchayat and then an MLA,' the MLA from Sanguem constituency said. On rumours that he may be appointed Speaker of the Assembly in case of a reshuffle, he said, 'If I was appointed Speaker, how would the organisation benefit? I may be a junior minister, but I have the capacity to perform. I have been working tirelessly. If such a person is given an ornamental position, wouldn't it be a loss for the party?' Phal Dessai said he has worked on several fronts for the party, including in the organisation and election campaigns in other states. 'This is the first time I was made a minister. I have not got any lucrative portfolios. Even though I was given chillar portfolios, you can see that I have performed in all the portfolios, including river navigation, social welfare, archives and archaeology,' he said. 'I do not think I will be dropped from the Cabinet as a reward for working for the organisation. I am confident that I will not be removed from the Cabinet,' he added. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant dropped former Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude from the Cabinet on June 18, nearly three weeks after Gaude alleged corruption in the Department of Tribal Welfare, a portfolio held by Sawant. The controversy erupted when Gaude made a jibe at the functioning of the Tribal Welfare Ministry at a Prerna Divas event on May 25. In his speech, Gaude had said, 'A large amount of taxpayers' money is allotted to the Tribal Welfare Department. If it is unable to organise this programme efficiently, then it shows a lack of control over the administration. In my opinion, the administration has weakened today. The files of contractors are handled in the Shram Shakti Bhavan (a government block) building on the sly. Something is taken from them, and then they are asked to submit their files.' Gaude's ouster from the Cabinet has triggered speculation of a Cabinet reshuffle in the coastal state. Last week, Sawant said a reshuffle was not on the cards 'as of now'.
The Hindu
23-06-2025
- The Hindu
Dropped from Goa Cabinet after alleging graft in CM-led dept., Gaude ratchets up attack
Sacked Goa Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude, who had alleged corruption in the Tribal Welfare Department headed by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, on Sunday said he would not resign as MLA or quit BJP and continue to work for tribal people. Addressing a public rally at Marcel village, Mr. Gaude said he has written letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief J.P. Nadda, and President Droupadi Murmu informing them about 'happenings in the coastal State'.The tribal leader was sacked from the Sawant Cabinet on Wednesday, almost a month after he alleged corruption in the Tribal Welfare Department. Mr. Gaude said he would not resign as an MLA or from the BJP membership. 'I had not joined the BJP to resign from the party. I will stay with the party and help PM Modi achieve his dream of Viksit Bharat 2047,' he added. Mr. Gaude claimed he was not allowed to meet the party brass, including Mr. Nadda, during the last three-and-a-half years. 'Now, I know why they did it,' he added. He claimed Mr. Sawant had called him over the phone and asked him to resign due to 'pressure from Mr. Nadda'. 'Mr. Sawant told me that there was pressure from Mr. Nadda and asked me to resign. But he [Mr. Sawant] later told the media that it was his decision (to remove me from the Cabinet),' Mr. Gaude alleged. 60-year struggle Mr. Gaude said tribals in Goa have been struggling for justice for the last 60 years. 'I am fighting for their rights. Their demands should have been discussed, not the statement that I made about inefficiency and corruption in the Tribal Welfare department,' the former Minister said. He added that he would send copies of his speech to BJP leaders in Delhi to prevent wrong interpretation or narrative.
