Phaldesai Tipped to Take Over as Speaker,  Cabinet Doors Open for Tawadkar, Kamat

Phaldesai likely to become Speaker, may quit ministerial post.

Tawadkar set for Cabinet return as he vacates Speaker’s chair.

Digambar Kamat eyed for Cabinet berth amid political rejig.

CM Sawant in Delhi to seal the reshuffle deal with BJP high command.

Gaude’s sacking sparks shake-up, aimed at tightening party control.

Panaji: A major political reshuffle is likely in Goa, with sources indicating that Social Welfare and River Navigation Minister Subhash Phaldesai has been approached to take over as Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly.

While no official announcement has been made, senior party insiders confirm that discussions have advanced significantly, and Phaldesai has been informally advised to be ready to resign from his ministerial portfolios.

If he agrees to step down and accept the Speaker’s post, the move is expected to pave the way for current Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar to be inducted into the Pramod Sawant-led Cabinet.

In addition, former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat is also being considered for a Cabinet position, especially following the dismissal of Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude.

 Gaude’s removal came after his repeated public criticism of the government, in which he accused Chief Minister Pramod Sawant of tolerating corruption and failing to act against entrenched interests. His sacking is widely seen as a signal from the CM to reassert his control over the administration and warn against public dissent.

Meanwhile, CM Sawant arrived in Delhi last night for meetings with senior BJP leaders to finalise the details of the impending Cabinet reshuffle.

Phaldesai, the Sanguem MLA, has recently expressed dissatisfaction with his current portfolios, even describing them as “chillar” (loose change). The remark was widely interpreted as a sign of frustration over not being given more prominent departments. The Speaker’s post now offers him a significant constitutional role, albeit outside the Cabinet. However, sources say he has not yet formally conveyed his decision.

Ramesh Tawadkar, a senior tribal leader from Canacona and an important figure in the BJP’s outreach to Scheduled Tribe communities, is expected to return to a ministerial role if Phaldesai assumes the Speaker’s post. Tawadkar, who has previously served in the Cabinet, is believed to be eager to return to the executive branch of the government. His inclusion would also help the BJP balance regional and community representation ahead of upcoming local elections.

Speaking to the media, Tawadkar said he had no knowledge of the developments.

“Whatever the party decides, I am ready. I have no say in it. Whatever role the party has given me, I am trying to perform it to the best of my ability,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Digambar Kamat, who once headed the Congress government before switching to the BJP, is being considered for the second Cabinet vacancy that would arise if Phaldesai resigns. Kamat has maintained a low profile in recent months, and his induction would bring both experience and political heft to the Cabinet, while also serving as a reward for his defection during the BJP’s consolidation phase.

Party insiders say the reshuffle is being carefully planned to avoid further alienating independents and allies, many of whom have already expressed displeasure over Gaude’s abrupt removal. Some legislators have also raised concerns that the government’s internal political maneuvering is distracting from core governance and public welfare priorities.

Opposition parties were quick to criticise the developments. Goa Congress president Amit Patkar accused the BJP government of “playing musical chairs” while ignoring pressing issues like unemployment and corruption.

For now, all eyes are on whether Subhash Phaldesai formally accepts the Speaker’s role and whether Ramesh Tawadkar will step down to rejoin the Cabinet. While no official timeline has been set, sources confirm that the groundwork for this reshuffle has been quietly underway for several days.