Digambar for TCP, Alexio Power: Govind Gaude, Ravi Naik, Nilkanth Harlankar and Subash Phaldesai to make way for new faces in Goa Cabinet reshuffle

PANAJI: A cabinet reshuffle in Goa is likely in the next two to three weeks and the names doing the rounds who may not make it to the new Cabinet post Diwali, include Govind Gaude, Ravi Naik, Nilkanth Harlankar and Subash Phaldesai who may be asked to take a bow to accommodate some of the new faces from the Congress who crossed over recently.

According to sources, former CM and Margao strongman Digambar Kamat has worked out a compromise formula and has stepped down from his demand for the top post – that of the CM’s chair.

According to the compromise formula worked out, Digambar Kamat may be given the all powerful (and lucrative) TCP (Town and Country Planning) Ministry while Alexio Sequeira – who is battling failing kidneys and other serious medical problems, is rooting for the Power Ministry.

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It is very unlikely that Alexio Sequeira will get the Power Ministry and may have to do with Agriculture or Handicrafts, while it remains to be seen which portfolio and Ministry will be allotted to present TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane.

Since Rane also holds the Health Ministry, he may be given another additional, not-so-important portfolio, while the TCP Ministry may be handed over to Kamat, claim political observers in Goa.

Kamat was also reportedly interested in the Home Ministry, but CM Dr Pramod Sawant may not be willing to part with the Home department, which he currently runs. Finance is another option, but then Sawant may not be willing to hand over Home and Finance to a new entrant, even though he may be a former CM.

Kamat has been offered the Industries Ministry, but he is not too keen on it, sources said.

Sources claimed the fate of Ravi Naik, Nilkanth Harlankar and Subash Phaldesai has already been decided, while discussions are on regarding Gaude’s future rehabilitation within the current political setup.