MARGAO: The ‘Prerana Din’ event organised by the Department of Tribal Welfare served as a platform to warn rival groups within the Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities and political leaders against creating divisions. Speakers, including government officials, openly challenged political leaders and opposition groups, urging them to demonstrate genuine interest in the community rather than pursuing personal benefits.
Leading the charge, Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, GovindGaude, appealed to other groups within the community to remain united and not be swayed by misleading agendas. He stated that those targeting the United Tribals Associations Alliance (UTAA) and claiming it has done nothing for political reservation are motivated by self-interest.
On the same day as the government’s ‘Prerana Din’ event, a group of ST community leaders demanding political reservation organised a hunger strike at LohiaMaidan, Margaoto commemorate the late ST leaders MangueshGaonkar and DilipVelip.
GovindGaude clarified that the purpose of the Prerana Din was not to observe the death anniversary of these leaders, but rather to inspire the community to pursue unfulfilled goals and progress together. Gaude also indirectly criticised Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar, implying that UTAA would continue to fight for the communities rights even if some leaders chose to leave the organisation.
In his address, Minister for Social Welfare SubhashPhaldesai, announced his full support for the demand of political reservation for the ST communities in the Assembly. “I will fully support the demand even if my Sanguem constituency is declared reserved for the ST communities in the next Assembly elections,” he stated.
Former Minister and UTTA president Prakash Velip defended the organisation against allegations made by the opposition group within the ST community in his address.
During the event, Dr Shambu Ghadi, UmeshGaonkar, Gokuldas Ghadi, and Kalpesh Mulgaonkar were recognised and awarded for their significant contributions to the community.
