After minister Gaude raises graft issues, Goa CM Sawant says will act against him

Panaji: Chief minister Pramod Sawant Monday strongly came down on his cabinet colleague and art and culture minister Govind Gaude for raising serious charges against him and said, “action will be taken against Gaude”.
Sawant’s statement comes a day after Gaude alleged that there was rampant corruption in the tribal welfare department under the CM.
“A responsible minister should make a responsible statement. I took cognisance of it. He should not make irresponsible statements. Necessary action will be taken as soon as possible,” Sawant said.
Without spelling out what action he intends to take or whether he intends to drop Gaude from his cabinet, the chief minister only said: “Wait till I take action.”
BJP state president Damodar ‘Damu’ Naik also joined Sawant in castigating Gaude for his comments.
“BJP is a disciplined party. We have a proper forum to express ourselves. It is not acceptable to raise issues anywhere. We will not tolerate such things in the party. It is not just a warning. Action will be taken at the right time,” Naik said.
Gaude on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the tribal welfare department during a Prerna Din function and raised questions about the department’s administrative efficiency and transparency.
“A huge amount of taxpayers’ money is allotted to the tribal welfare department. If it is unable to organise this programme efficiently, then it only shows a lack of control over the administration,” Gaude said at the event organised by the tribal welfare department in association with the United Tribal Associations Alliance (UTAA) at Ponda. The minister was seemingly piqued over the poor turnout at the event.
His comments are being viewed as politically significant given that Sawant also holds the tribal welfare portfolio. Gaude also made allegations about some behind-the-scenes operations. “The files of the contractors are handled under the Shram Shakti Bhavan building on the sly. And they think we don’t know of such things,” he said.