Panaji: Former Minister and Priol MLA Govind Gaude has come out strongly against the interim court order restraining Prakash Velip from functioning as President of the United Tribal Associations Alliance (UTAA) and from managing its financial affairs.
Speaking to the media, Gaude described the court’s interim directive as an “attempt to muzzle the voice of the Bahujan Samaj,” warning that any such move would lead to serious consequences.
“The UTAA is a powerful and legitimate platform that has the capacity to deal with any issue concerning the tribal and Bahujan communities,” said Gaude. “If there is a deliberate effort to suppress the Bahujan Samaj, those responsible will have to face the fallout,” he cautioned.
The interim order, which has sparked strong reactions from tribal rights activists and political observers, has placed a temporary bar on Velip’s involvement in UTAA’s activities, including financial operations. The court’s decision is reportedly linked to internal disputes within the organization.
Gaude, a prominent voice from the Bahujan Samaj, emphasized the importance of protecting democratic and community-driven institutions like UTAA, which, he said, play a crucial role in advocating for the rights of marginalized groups.
“The community will not remain silent if their representatives are unjustly targeted,” Gaude added, underscoring that the UTAA is capable of defending its interests both legally and politically.
The issue has brought fresh attention to the internal dynamics of UTAA and the broader discourse around tribal and Bahujan leadership in Goa’s socio-political landscape.
