Report on meet between Damu and minister to be sent to central leaders
Special Correspondent
Panaji: The state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party has now placed the matter as regards possible action against Minister for Art and Culture Govind Gaude before the central leadership of the party.
Gaude had made a scathing attack on the tribal welfare department a week ago by raising questions on the department’s administrative efficiency and transparency.
Interacting with mediapersons on Monday, state BJP president Damodar ‘Damu’ Naik said he had finally managed to meet Gaude to hear his version of the issue.
“I have heard Gaude out as also briefed him about the policy of the party. But we cannot take a decision about any disciplinary action here in the absence of a functioning state BJP committee,” he noted.
“A report of the particular meeting between me and Gaude will be sent to the BJP high command in Delhi, and any decision considered adequate will be taken by our central leadership,” Naik added, maintaining that the issue will be reviewed by the party’s state core committee, which will also discuss the clarification provided by Gaude, and only then will prepare
this report.
It was further informed that the particular issue was not discussed with the BJP high command during Naik’s recent visit to the national capital.
“In Delhi, I attended a meeting related to the organisation of nationwide programmes to commemorate the completion of 11 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the office,” he informed.
Naik also said, “The party will consider all sides and follow the rules and only after that will take appropriate action.”
“The party will not act immediately,” he maintained, observing that also those who are new to his party will take some time to understand and follow the rules and guidelines, but gradually will fall in line.
There have been speculations as regards the ouster of Gaude from the state cabinet, following his remarks on corruption in the tribal welfare department.
Gaude, on the other hand, said he has responded to whatever was asked to him on the issue.
“Whatever I was asked, I replied to that,” he added, pointing out that he is standing by his earlier statements.