Team Herald
PANJIM: MLAs hoping for a ministerial berth remain unsure of their induction into the Cabinet, as suspense over the much-discussed reshuffle continues. The ruling BJP is reportedly struggling to resolve internal disputes, further delaying the process.
Former Chief Minister and Margao MLA Digambar Kamat, who is widely tipped to secure a ministerial position, denied any knowledge of his induction. “I am not aware of anything,” he told O Heraldo.
Similarly, Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar, who is also eyeing a cabinet position, claimed to be in the dark. “I am unaware about it,” he said.
Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo too stated that she wasn’t aware about anything. “I have not been informed about it,” said Lobo.
Goa Assembly Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar, a frontrunner for a cabinet post, was unavailable for comment. However, it was Tawadkar himself who previously hinted at a cabinet reshuffle. Speaking at a programme in Sanguem last month, he remarked that the reshuffle had been under discussion for some time and assured that the impasse would be resolved within a month.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and BJP State President Damodar ‘Damu’ Naik have also suggested that a reshuffle is imminent. On Thursday, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant met Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai at Raj Bhavan, further fuelling speculation that the cabinet changes could take place in the coming days.
However, when questioned about the reshuffle on Friday, the Chief Minister dodged the question. After a press briefing, he simply looked at reporters, smiled, and walked away—leaving the matter shrouded in uncertainty.