Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Goa was abuzz with news reports on Thursday evening that Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant was being replaced.
The rumours were triggered after former chief minister Digambar Kamat left for Gujarat.
Rumour mills worked overtime to suggest Kamat might succeed Sawant.
However, Kamat himself refuted the rumours saying he was to attend the National Games meeting in Gujarat.
Not just this, but some WhatsApp messages of a screenshot of national TV also went viral, which said, “Change of CM in Goa Soon”.
Speaking to Goemkarponn, a top BJP leader who did not want to be named, laughed away such rumours.
“These are planted news. Don’t believe in them. Dr Pramod Sawant is stronger than ever. He has been doing exceptionally well and leading the BJP to victory after victory. So why would the BJP even think of replacing him?” the leader asked.
He continued, “and who would be the replacement? How can Kamat, who just entered few days ago, be named CM? Is there any logic in the news?”
Sometimes media just blows something out of proportion, he said. He attributed this to brainless sharing on social media.
“Dr Sawant has the great support of the party, especially PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah and will complete a full term,” he said.
Meanwhile, as promised, two of the eight turncoat MLAs will be given Cabinet berths within the next 2-3 weeks.
Sources reveal Digambar Kamat and Alexio Sequeira will get ministries around Diwali.
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo may have to wait till the new year when the CM takes a review of Ministers’ performance.
Lobo, when contacted, said that he had no knowledge of anything.
“Neither I asked, nor they promised cabinet berth, so the question does not arise,” he said.
While Lobo denied any move, sources reveal the crucial meeting was called by CM Sawant on Thursday between Lobo, Kamat and BJP State chief Sadanand Shet Tanavade, which was cancelled due to CM’s VC with Home Minister Amit Shah.
Sources further said that Govind Gaude, Ravi Naik, Nilkanth Halarnkar and Subash Phaldesai might make way for new ministers.
While other ministers may have to give up some plum portfolios to the new entrants.
Sources reveal Digambar Kamat is eyeing TCP and Industries, while Alexio Sequeira has expressed a desire for Power, the portfolio he enjoyed in the past.
