Reacting strongly to the interim court order restraining Prakash Velip from acting as President of the United Tribal Associations Alliance (UTAA) and handling its finances, former minister Govind Gaude issued a fiery statement, warning against attempts to stifle the voice of the Bahujan Samaj.
“If anyone is conspiring to suppress the voice of the Bahujan Samaj, they should stop—or they’ll face the consequences themselves,” Gaude declared, adding that the struggle is not just about leadership, but about protecting the dignity and self-respect of the tribal community.
Gaude challenged UTAA members to mobilize and take action. “Bring the Registrar to the temple, the members of UTAA will also come,” he said. “And I repeat—take out a morcha to the residence of Prakash Velip. This is my challenge to them.”
The former minister’s remarks have intensified the political tension within the UTAA, coming at a time when internal rifts and legal challenges are casting uncertainty over the organisation’s leadership and direction.
Calling on the community to resist what he described as attempts to enslave and silence tribal voices, Gaude urged people to stand firm in defense of their rights and heritage. “Rather than becoming slaves, we must uphold our self-respect and dignity,” he said.
The UTAA has yet to issue an official response to either the court order or Gaude’s statement, but the developments are expected to trigger renewed debate and activism within Goa’s tribal and political circles.