Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: With the sudden sacking of Minister Govind Gaude, political circles in Goa are abuzz with speculation over who will be inducted into the Pramod Sawant Cabinet to fill the now-vacant slot.
While no official announcement has been made yet, strong indications point toward Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Ramesh Tawadkar, emerging as the frontrunner.
Sources within the BJP confirm that replacing one Scheduled Tribe (ST) leader with another is a calculated move to maintain the community balance within the Cabinet and avoid alienating the influential ST vote base. Gaude, a prominent ST leader, had been embroiled in a war of words with the Chief Minister, making veiled corruption allegations that ultimately led to his ouster on Monday evening.
Ramesh Tawadkar, a seasoned leader and also from the ST community, fits the political equation the BJP is likely to uphold. However, his current position as Speaker adds a layer of procedural and political complexity to the decision, as his elevation would mean a change in the Assembly leadership structure as well.
Alongside Tawadkar, Digambar Kamat, Sankalp Amonkar, and Michael Lobo are also under consideration, with backchannel discussions reportedly in full swing.
Of particular note is the timing involving Michael Lobo. Just a few hours before Gaude’s dismissal, Chief Minister Sawant attended Lobo’s birthday celebration in Parra and publicly remarked that “Acche Din are coming for Michael Lobo” — a comment that is now being viewed with renewed significance. Lobo, once a BJP strongman who defected to Congress and then returned, has been angling for a Cabinet comeback.
Digambar Kamat, the veteran Margao MLA and former Chief Minister, continues to have strong backing and may be positioned as a stabilising face in the Cabinet, should the party wish to reward loyalty and experience. However, his recent low profile and previous rebellion during the Congress defection saga could weigh against him.
Sankalp Amonkar, the Vasco MLA, is also being discussed as a potential entrant. His induction would serve the purpose of regional balance and strengthening BJP’s coastal belt hold — particularly in South Goa, where the party faces stiff resistance.
Yet, the ST factor looms large over the decision. Gaude’s removal, especially after his vocal criticism of the CM, is being watched closely by the Scheduled Tribe community. Any replacement seen as ignoring this demographic may cause backlash, a scenario the BJP leadership is keen to avoid ahead of key local body polls and the run-up to the 2027 Assembly elections.
For now, CM Sawant remains tight-lipped. After executing the bold political move of dropping Gaude — all while maintaining a calm public front, even attending bhajans in Sanquelim — it’s clear that the next move in this unfolding political chessboard will be just as calculated.
Who replaces Gaude may well define the direction of Goa’s Cabinet politics in the coming months. And more importantly, how skillfully CM Sawant manages both community expectations and internal power plays will determine how smooth — or stormy — the road ahead will be.
