MAPUSA
Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar has dismissed ongoing speculation about a cabinet reshuffle in Goa, labelling reports as mere "gossip."
Halarnkar, whose name has reportedly been floated as a potential minister to be dropped from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's cabinet, stated that the BJP functions in a specific manner and decisions are made solely by the party's central leadership.
“The final decision is always taken by the central leaders of the BJP and no one in Goa will be privy to it beforehand. When a decision is made, it will be implemented swiftly – within hours,” Halarnkar said.
He clarified that he had not received any indication about being asked to make way for someone else.
“There is no question of hints or advance notice. The central leadership will arrive in Goa, instruct the ministers concerned to resign and announce replacements. That’s how the BJP operates,” he explained.
Halarnkar dismissed reports suggesting his name is on the probable list for removal, calling it "time pass" by the media.
“This speculation has been ongoing for the last three years, with my name repeatedly cropping up. But I remain focused on my work and do not bow to such rumours,” he said.
When asked if he felt he was a soft target for removal, Halarnkar shrugged off the suggestion.
“I don’t know why my name keeps coming up. I don’t bend before anyone, nor do I lobby for positions. I don’t have any demands,” he asserted.
Reports have also linked Law Minister Aleixo Sequeira as another minister likely to be dropped from the cabinet, potentially to make room for two other MLAs.
However, Halarnkar emphasised that neither he nor anyone in the State leadership is aware of any impending reshuffle. “It is difficult to predict the mind of the central leaders. Many people have gone to Delhi and returned without any clarity,” he remarked.
