Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Amid growing rumors of a Cabinet reshuffle, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant met with Goa Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai at the Raj Bhavan on Wednesday. Sources close to the development revealed that the discussion primarily revolved around Goa University and plans to relocate four government colleges to its campus.
Sources suggest that the key agenda of the meeting was the government’s plan to shift four government-run colleges—Architecture, Fine Arts, Pharmacy, and Music—onto the Goa University campus.
This proposal is seen as part of a larger strategy to consolidate the state’s higher education system, aiming to enhance both academic offerings and infrastructure under a unified campus.
The timing of this meeting is noteworthy, as it coincides with widespread speculation about a potential reshuffle of CM Sawant’s Cabinet.
Sawant had earlier dismissed speculation surrounding a potential cabinet reshuffle, stating that such decisions are political and will be made at the right time. He had clarified that any reshuffle would be announced a day before it takes place to allow the media to inform the public.
Responding to reports suggesting a reshuffle might occur in April, Sawant had urged caution, advising not to trust unverified dates. “Someone comes up with a date, and everyone starts talking about it,” he remarked, emphasizing that the reshuffle will happen when it’s deemed appropriate.
The CM further had explained that the reshuffle will be carefully analyzed to benefit both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the government, with a focus on securing their position in the next state elections, due in 2027.
Currently, the 12-member cabinet led by Sawant includes 11 members from the BJP and one from its ally, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP). Goa’s assembly allows for a maximum of 12 ministers. The BJP, which holds 28 seats in the 40-member legislative assembly, along with two MGP members and three Independents, enjoys a strong majority.
Sawant’s remarks suggest that any reshuffle would be a strategic move to maintain the party’s dominance ahead of the upcoming election.
