THE BJP’s so-called leanings towards the tribals and underprivileged communities got a setback with the sacking of Govind Gaude, the minister for sports, art and culture and tribal welfare, and the wishes of President Droupadi Murmu did little to assuage these hurt feelings on May 30 which was Goa Statehood Day. Never mind the fact that President Murmu is a most famous tribal personality in the country currently or so to speak.
Gaude, who had alleged corruption in the Tribal Welfare Department headed by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, declared he would not resign as MLA or quit the BJP. Instead, he would continue to work for the beleaguered tribal community of Goa. He is himself a tribal.
Addressing a public rally at Marcel village on Sunday, Mr Gaude said he wrote letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief JP Nadda and President Droupadi Murmu, informing them about “happenings in the coastal State.” Chief Minister Pramod Sawant sacked the tribal leader from his cabinet last Wednesday, nearly a month after he alleged corruption in the Tribal Welfare Department.
Mr Gaude said he would not resign as an MLA or from the BJP membership. “I never joined the BJP to resign from the party. I will stay with the party and help PM Modi achieve his dream of Viksit Bharat 2047,” he added.
Mr Gaude claimed he was not allowed to meet the party brass, including Mr Nadda, during the last three-and-a-half years. “Now, I know why they did it,” he added.
He claimed Mr. Sawant had called him over the phone and asked him to resign due to “pressure from Mr Nadda.”
“Mr Sawant told me that there was pressure from Mr Nadda and asked me to resign. But he [Mr Sawant] later told the media that it was his decision (to remove me from the Cabinet),” Mr Gaude alleged. If what Mr Gaude has alleged is correct, this is a very serious development because JP Nadda forms the top think tank of the BJP and if it is true that this top notch BJP leader pressurized Pramod Sawant to drop Govind Gaude soon after the latter alleged corruption in ensuring funds percolated down to the impoverished tribals for their development, then the minister has hit the BJP where it really hurts. It will damage its election prospects because it has always tried to project itself as a political party not led by the Brahmins although its founders like Atal Behari Vajpayee and LK Advani were from the upper castes.
Mr Gaude said tribals in Goa are struggling for justice for the last 60 years. “I am fighting for their rights. Their demands should have been discussed, not the statement that I made about inefficiency and corruption in the Tribal Welfare Department.” The former minister added that he would send copies of his speech to BJP leaders in Delhi to prevent wrong interpretation or narrative.
Since he held the portfolio of sports and culture as well, apart from tribal welfare, the unique Goan culture has not attracted tourists who make a beeline for other prime destinations such as Thailand, Singapore and the Caribbean islands.
TOURISM has fallen due to several factors such as a taxi mafia, infrastructure costs and geopolitical tensions. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine as well as the instability in Gaza affects tourist inflow to Goa. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have replaced Israeli tourists. The taxi mafia exploits both locals and visitors.
Goan taxi companies are well-known for their inflated fares, lack of metered services, and disregard for the law. This sometimes results in unpleasant encounters for visitors, particularly foreigners, who frequently feel overpriced and taken advantage of.
Goa’s cost of living has surged in recent years, making it increasingly expensive for budget travelers. Rising prices for accommodation, food and transportation have made the destination less accessible to those seeking an affordable peaceful getaway holiday. All this is leading many to reconsider their travel plans to Goa.
The surge in tourist arrivals, especially during peak season, has led to severe overcrowding, diminishing the charm of Goa’s beaches and attractions. Once serene and picturesque, these beaches are now packed with visitors, making it difficult to find a peaceful retreat. This growing congestion may be a factor in the decline of foreign tourists, with only 1.5 million visiting Goa in 2023 — a stark drop from 8.5 million in 2019, according to CEIC data.
Companies urge policy change: Local companies have sought government action to solve the persistent issues as a result of the decline in foreign tourism. Leaders in the industry are pushing for policies including lowering landing costs and visa fees at airports and streamlining the visa-on-arrival procedure.
So, Govind Gaude has been kicked out but the tourist traffic to Goa has also seen a fall and is unlikely to recover. Tribals, tourists and casinos are interlinked whether we admit this or not.