Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Declaring that the tribal community should step up their agitation to get their demands met, Sports Minister Govind Gaude stated that it was wrong of the government to utilise them as a voting bloc.
“It’s wrong on the part of the government to use the tribal communities only for votes,” Gaude said adding the tribal communities need to intensify their agitation to get their demands fulfilled.
He further said that there are still a number of tribal demands unfulfilled by the government.
“A small number of leaders who had never participated in the protests are leading the youth astray. In order to get the demands met, the United Tribals Association Alliance (UTTA) must step up their agitation,” said Gaude
The minister further said that Government officials make excuses rather than confronting and resolving the difficulties (involving tribal people).
“I’ve brought up this problem several times, but nothing changes. Why are we (UTAA) required to celebrate Prerna Din with the government if we have to continually press for the same demands? If the government celebrates it, what will we gain from it?” the minister questioned.
Gaude said that several of the so-called ST leaders, who were never involved in UTAA agitation, were now attempting to “misguide” the tribal youngsters.
“Why can’t the department and the officers carry out their jobs with diligence? The minister charged that every succeeding government has used the ST community for their own political gain.
