Team Herald
PANJIM: The cultural collective Kala Rakhonn Mandd on Tuesday renewed its demand for the removal of Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude from the State cabinet, accusing him of mismanaging the affairs of the Kala Academy and insulting artistes. The group announced its upcoming protest, termed the ‘Supari Andolan’, in response to what it describes as continued negligence and disrespect towards Goa’s cultural community.
Speaking to reporters at the Kala Academy, Convenor Devidas Amonkar said, “We condemn the statement made by the minister which insulted an artiste like Sharad Ponkshe. Even after making the condemnable statement, he dares to say that everything is in order.”
Task Force member Francis Coelho questioned the relevance of the panel set up to oversee the Kala Academy’s affairs. “The Chief Minister constituted the task force but it is of no use. We want to ask who is superior— the Minister or the Chief Minister? We sought the report of the experts who inspected the Kala Academy, but we have not been given it till date. So I would like to tell the Chief Minister that if he is unable to handle the issue, then he should resign.”
Senior journalist Sandesh Prabhudesai revealed that the group had initially planned to hold their protest on Tiatr Day, but postponed it due to the demise of Pope Francis. “However, we will hold our agitation soon and it will be a reply to the government. The agitation will be known as Supari Andolan,” he stated.
He also questioned the large expenditure on the Kala Academy's renovation. “Already Rs 60-70 crore has been spent on renovation. Now what is the plan? Do they want to destroy whatever is left? It is now the people’s agitation,” he added.
The group affirmed that the protest would go ahead shortly and called upon the people of Goa to support their stand for accountability and cultural integrity.