A heated confrontation unfolded on Tuesday between the recently ousted Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant during a calling attention motion raised by Gaude in the Assembly. The session saw a sharp exchange centering on tribal affairs and governance issues.
Govind Gaude accused the government of undermining tribal voices by appointing an administrator to intervene in tribal matters. He further alleged that attempts were being made to silence the tribals by banning the United Tribal Adivasi Association (UTAA), which he described as an organization that represents tribal interests. Gaude firmly stated that the tribal community has been fighting for justice on its own and criticized the government for failing to deliver any substantive justice.
Gaude’s allegations took a political turn when he questioned whether there was a connection between his recent removal from the ministerial post and the ban imposed on UTAA. He hinted that his ouster might have been linked to his stance and activism on tribal matters, suggesting political motives behind these decisions.
Responding sternly, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant rejected Gaude’s accusations and emphasized that the government’s actions were based on serious concerns. Sawant cited major election violations, including irregularities in the distribution of caste certificates, as reasons for administrative intervention. He defended the ban on UTAA by pointing to these irregularities and questioned the integrity of the association’s activities. According to the CM, the government is committed to rooting out corruption and illegal practices within tribal affairs rather than suppressing voices.