No complaints against ministers, says Phal Dessai amid reshuffle speculation

Margao: Social welfare minister Subhash Phal Dessai on Wednesday strongly refuted any suggestions of ministerial misconduct or inefficiency, amid increasing speculation of a potential cabinet reshuffle. The minister’s comments come as political circles are abuzz with talks that several cabinet members might face removal allegedly due to poor performance.

“There doesn’t appear to be any complaints of misconduct or inefficiency against any minister,” Phal Dessai told reporters at the BJP office. He emphasised that any decision regarding cabinet changes would be “the prerogative of the chief minister”.

The minister further clarified that any potential reshuffling would be oriented toward progress rather than addressing discontent. “There’s no discontent against govt; but if any reshuffle is happening, it’s for the purpose of making progress,” he added.

When questioned about former MLA Pandurang Madkaikar’s recent allegations of corruption within govt, Phal Dessai dismissed the claims, suggesting that Madkaikar may have been misinformed. “He may have made the comments based on some wrong information. It appears that he has changed his opinion now. Ask him now and you will hear a different version,” he said.

Phal Dessai further challenged Madkaikar’s approach, stating, “If anybody has done corruption, he should have named the person. You won’t be able to achieve anything by firing in the air; if you want results, there should be targeted firing.”

In response to a question on the objections from a section of parents and teachers to the changes in the commencement of the new academic year, Phal Dessai maintained that the changes were decided following consultation with the heads of all schools.

The press conference was organised to highlight the achievements of the Pramod Sawant govt over the past six years. Sawant assumed office on March 19, 2019, following the demise of former chief minister Manohar Parrikar on March 17, 2019.