Gaude questions discipline within BJP, accuses Tawadkar of siding with Oppn

Panaji: In continuation to the escalating war of words between Priol MLA Govind Gaude and Minister for Art and Culture Ramesh Tawadkar, Gaude has raised questions over the discipline within the BJP.

Former art and culture minister Gaude was reacting to accusations made by Tawadkar. He also accused Tawadkar of siding with the Opposition and making corruption allegations him when he was minister.

Responding to a query on a YouTube channel about when the stalemate would end, Gaude said the party had to decide. He said that complaints against Tawadkar had been placed before the previous party president but “the party is least bothered”. “If it was, then there could have been changes wherein action would have been taken against Tawadkar or me. There is no discipline in the party. I am not getting an appointment since the last three months with the central leadership,” said Gaude.

On Saturday, Tawadkar had accused Gaude of spreading “false narratives” to tarnish his political image. Gaude denied this on the YouTube channel, saying, “He is my good friend.”

Clarifying his earlier remarks, Gaude said he never claimed that Balram Shikshan Sanstha was established with his assistance. “What was said was on the school building and it is on the record,” he said.

Gaude also said he never claimed to have conceptualised the Lokutsav in Canacona. “I gave it a different look. People from Canacona know my contributions. Tawadkar should have taken the press conference in Canacona and not in Margao,” said Gaude.

On the ‘Shramdham’ initiative, Gaude called it a “publicity stunt”. Tawadkar had said 70 houses for the needy were constructed in various constituencies under the programme.

“My question to Tawadkar is how many houses have you constructed in Madkai and Valpoi. We know from where you get the ‘money’. You only found Priol constituency to construct the houses,” said Gaude.

“You were sitting on the Opposition bench and you have proved it. Earlier as the Speaker, you were levelling allegations of corruption against me when I was the minister for art and culture. Who was behind this?”