Priol MLA Govind Gaude has called on the Goa and Union governments to take coordinated legal steps to overcome the High Court’s interim stay on the process related to Scheduled Tribe (ST) political reservation in the State. He said the governments must approach the Supreme Court and seek to have the stay vacated, stressing that all legal procedures must be followed to avoid further complications.
Gaude said the matter carries significant responsibility for both governments, with the Union Government having a larger role to play. Referring to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s statement about approaching Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he said the Centre must take up the issue urgently and ensure appropriate legal action.
Highlighting the more than 23-year-long struggle led by the United Tribal Associations Alliance (UTAA) for political reservation, Gaude cautioned against taking procedural shortcuts. He said any attempt to bypass established legal processes could provide grounds for opponents to challenge the process and create further hurdles.
Meanwhile, ST leader Rupesh Velip has raised questions over the State government’s handling of the case before the High Court. He questioned why the government failed to effectively defend the matter, alleging that its advocate appeared without proper instructions.
Velip accused the government of distancing itself from the proceedings and alleged that the developments were part of a planned conspiracy and a game plan. He further claimed that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was aware of what was unfolding in the case.
The contrasting reactions have brought the State government’s role in the legal battle into focus, with Gaude stressing the need for coordinated action through the proper legal channels and Velip questioning the government’s conduct during the High Court proceedings.
The issue remains crucial to the demand for ST political reservation in Goa ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
