Minister who claimed corruption in department under Goa CM Sawant sacked

Goa CM Pramod Sawant dropped controversial art and culture minister Govind Gaude from his cabinet on Wednesday. Sawant had decided nearly three weeks ago to drop Gaude after the minister made serious allegations of corruption in the tribal welfare department, which is under the CM.

However, Gaude’s removal was delayed as Sawant was awaiting clearance from Delhi, reports Murari Shetye. TOI was the first to report on May 31 that Gaude would be dropped from the cabinet. Sawant has not yet decided whether he will immediately induct a new minister into his cabinet or wait until the end of the Goa assembly’s monsoon session, which is to begin July 22. In his statement on social media platforms, Gaude said: “There can be no greater honour than to be recognised on Goa Revolution Day for standing with the weak and oppressed. I am grateful to govt and the party for liberating me to give voice to the struggle – the very cause for which govt has taken this stance. When faced with the choice between power and truth, I will always choose truth.”