Goa Opposition Hits Out at Sawant Govt Over Minister's Dismissal

Panaji, Jun 19 (PTI) - Opposition parties in Goa have launched an attack on the Pramod Sawant government, accusing it of corruption following the dismissal of Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude from the state cabinet.

Gaude was ousted from the cabinet on Wednesday, nearly a month after he levelled corruption allegations within the tribal welfare department, overseen by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.

The official notification regarding his removal, issued by state Under Secretary (General Administration) Shreyas DSilva, did not specify the reason for Gaude's dismissal.

In response to the development, Goa Congress chief Amit Patkar told reporters on Wednesday evening that many ministers in the Sawant cabinet were allegedly involved in corrupt practices and should be removed.

Amit Palekar, the AAP Goa president, took to his X handle to welcome Gaude's removal, asserting that his party, with the support of the state's people, will endeavor to topple the Sawant government.

Goa Forward Party leader Vijai Sardesai remarked that Gaude was not dismissed in the past despite corruption allegations. However, now that he raised issues of corruption in the tribal department, the government decided to act against him.

Gaude, responding to his removal on Wednesday, described the decision as a “reward” for advocating for the downtrodden communities.