By Irfan Iqbal Gheta
Shri Bab Damodar Naik, popularly known as Damu G Naik, took over as Goa BJP President from Shri Bab Sadanand Shet Tanavade on January 18, 2025. Less than a year into the role, he has already faced a baptism by fire.
The Bharatiya Janata Party, known for its strict internal discipline, is often described as a party with a difference. Yet, even here, occasional lapses spill into the public domain. When they do, it falls upon the state president, in coordination with the Chief Minister, to contain the situation without compromising the carefully cultivated image of party unity.
Since taking charge, Shri Damu Bab has confronted two high-profile controversies with a steady hand, demonstrating his ability to lead the state unit of the world’s largest political party.
The first incident involved a speech by former Art and Culture Minister Shri Bab Govind Gaude and the disciplinary actions that followed. The swift and firm response sent a clear message: Shri Damu Bab is a tough taskmaster with zero tolerance for indiscipline.
The second controversy unfolded more recently. Rumors swirled about the whereabouts of newly appointed Art and Culture Minister Shri Bab Ramesh Tawadkar. Social media and news channels speculated wildly about a possible resignation, citing the minister’s dissatisfaction with his portfolio after the recent cabinet reshuffle.
This was a test of Shri Damu Bab’s crisis management skills. Rising to the occasion, he assured the public: “Everything is perfectly alright. The reports of Shri Bab Ramesh Tawadkar’s resignation are false. Shri Ramesh Bab is one of our most loyal members. He has taken charge as a minister and is performing well. He is on a short visit to Bangalore, which is why he is out of the public eye.”
However, rumors resurfaced when Shri Ramesh Bab was absent from the high-profile Seva Pakhwada event at Kala Academy, Panaji, celebrating Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s 75th birthday. Once again, Shri Damu Bab quelled speculation with calm professionalism: “There is nothing much to read into this. Shri Ramesh Bab is attending a pre-scheduled Seva Pakhwada programme in his constituency of Canacona. We are united and focused on realizing PM Modi Ji’s vision of a Viksit Bharat under the leadership of our Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant Ji.”
This measured approach reflects maturity, vision, and the ability to protect every stakeholder.
Damu Ji, keep moving forward. The chorus of support—tum aage badho, hum tumhare saath hai—is only going to grow stronger.
