Govind Gaude, who served as Goa's Minister for Art and Culture, was dropped from the state cabinet on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. This decision came roughly three weeks after Gaude publicly alleged corruption within the Tribal Welfare Department, a portfolio held by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
The controversy began at a Prerna Divas event on May 25, 2025, organized by the Directorate of Tribal Welfare and the United Tribal Associations' Alliance (UTAA). During his address, Gaude criticized the Tribal Welfare Department's administrative efficiency and transparency. He stated that a significant amount of taxpayer money was allocated to the department, yet it seemed unable to manage its affairs effectively. Gaude specifically accused officials of illicitly clearing contractors' files in exchange for bribes at the Shram Shakti Bhavan, where the Tribal Welfare Department operates.
Gaude's unexpected remarks triggered immediate political reactions. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed strong disapproval, labeling Gaude's statements as "irresponsible" and inappropriate for a minister. Sawant assured that necessary action would be taken. BJP state president Damodar Naik echoed this sentiment, stating that the party would seek an explanation from Gaude and take appropriate action.
Sources within the BJP revealed that Chief Minister Sawant made the decision to remove Gaude from his cabinet shortly after the incident. However, the state leadership awaited approval from the central party leadership in Delhi before executing the decision. Goa BJP President Damu Naik told The Indian Express that “The decision was unanimous. It was taken after consultations by the government, the party and the party's central leadership. Party discipline is a must”.
Govind Gaude, who was also holding sports and rural development portfolios, was first elected as an independent MLA in 2017. He became a minister for the first time in Manohar Parrikar's cabinet and continued in the same role under Pramod Sawant after Parrikar's death in 2019.
This isn't the first time Gaude's actions have stirred controversy. In February 2024, Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar accused Gaude of misappropriating government funds amounting to Rs 26 lakh, which were intended for organizing cultural programs in the Canacona constituency of South Goa. In 2022, Gaude defended the Sawant government's decision to allocate renovation work of Kala Academy in Panaji without a tendering process, drawing flak for comparing it to Shah Jahan's construction of the Taj Mahal.
The opposition Congress party has seized upon the situation, alleging that Gaude was merely "speaking the truth" about corruption within the government. AICC Incharge Manikrao Thakare claimed that Gaude's revelations confirmed long-held suspicions among Goans and criticized Chief Minister Sawant's silence as complicity. South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes supported Gaude's claims, stating that the minister was being targeted for his honesty and that the government was prioritizing wealth and power over addressing real issues.
Following his removal, Gaude remarked that he considered his ouster a "Revolution Day reward" for standing up to graft. Currently, the portfolios previously held by Gaude have been reassigned to the Chief Minister. BJP president Naik indicated that a decision regarding a new cabinet appointment would be made "very soon".
