The political drama that unfolded over the past week—sparked by Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude’s public allegations of corruption in the Tribal Welfare Department—appeared to be winding down on Friday, as Gaude and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant shared the stage at Goa Statehood Day celebrations.
Gaude’s remarks, made during a speech last Sunday, were widely interpreted as a veiled attack on CM Sawant, who currently holds the Tribal Welfare portfolio. The comments prompted a strong reaction from the Chief Minister, who called them “irresponsible” and vowed “necessary action.” BJP State President Damu Naik confirmed that the party's central leadership had sought an explanation regarding the minister’s outburst.
However, in a symbolic act of reconciliation, Gaude was seen sitting next to Sawant at the Kala Academy event in Panjim. Speaking to O Heraldo later, the minister downplayed tensions, stating that he and the CM were “good friends” and blamed “vested interests” for trying to drive a wedge between them.
The timing of this public gesture is seen as a strategic move to ease friction, particularly with BJP leaders reportedly planning to meet Gaude on Monday.
Meanwhile, at a parallel gathering of the United Tribal Association Alliance (UTAA) in Farmagudi, tribal leaders emphasized that their voices would not be silenced. Though Gaude was notably absent, the meeting served as a show of support for him among the tribal community—a key political constituency.
UTAA president and former minister Prakash Velip defended Gaude, stating that his brief remarks at the Prerna Din event in Ponda had been “blown out of proportion.” Velip noted that Gaude raised long-standing demands of the ST (Scheduled Tribe) community and had made no derogatory comments about the CM.
“The demands have been pending for 22 years. Should we remain silent? Two ST youth lost their lives during past agitations. No one has the moral right to blame Gaude for speaking up,” Velip said.
While thanking the government for granting ST status to the Gawda, Velip, and Kumbi communities, Velip insisted the UTAA must remain a platform for tribal leaders to voice concerns about justice, representation, and pending issues—particularly political reservation.
Vishwas Gaude, another tribal leader, echoed similar sentiments, asserting that the minister was being unfairly targeted for advocating the rights of the ST community.