Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: In a fiery address at the launch of the new United Tribal Association of Adivasis – Gawda Kunbi Velip (UTAA-GKV), former Sports, Art & Culture Minister and Priol MLA Govind Gaude warned the government that “no power can silence the tribal uprising” and vowed that political reservation for tribals in 2027 is non-negotiable.
Gaude, speaking before over a thousand tribals gathered at Shristhal, lashed out at the government for imposing restrictions on the United Tribals Associations Alliance (UTAA) and the Gomantak Gaud Maratha Samaj Sanghatna (GMGMSS), branding it an attempt to “marginalize tribals and destroy organizations that fought for their rights for 63 years.”
“If the tribals do not get political reservation by 2027, we will not need any government. That reservation will come automatically. And those who come in the way of UTAA will be uprooted from Goa,” Gaude thundered, drawing loud cheers.
Gaude alleged that a “known underground force” is working against tribals to weaken their movement, but declared that neither bans nor restrictions can derail their struggle.
“It is a black day when the government bans an organization that protects Goa’s tribals. We will fight this injustice in court and on the ground,” he said.
Taking a direct swipe at current Sports, Tribal Welfare and Art & Culture Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, Gaude questioned how leaders who once rose through the Gomantak Gaud Maratha organization could now claim no association with it.
The event also saw the unveiling of the new association’s banner and logo. Vishwas Gaude was appointed president, Daya (Umesh) Gaonkar as general secretary, and Molu Velip as working president, while Govind Gaude and Prakash Velip were inducted into the advisory board.
Reiterating his stand, Gaude warned: “The power tribals hold is unmatched. We will not tolerate injustice — whether it is in political rights or in issues like IIT in Kodar. Whoever dares to come in the way of tribals will not be spared.”
