India, June 18 -- Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday dropped minister Govind Gaude from the state cabinet, ending weeks of speculation around his continuation as the state's minister for Art, Culture, Sports Affairs and Rural Development Agency.

The chief minister said that the decision was taken after consulting with the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) central leadership.

"Gaude has been dropped from the state cabinet, and his portfolios will be held by the chief minister. The decision has been communicated to the governor. The decision was taken in consultation with the party's central leadership," Sawant told HT.

A notification issued on Wednesday evening said the governor was "pleased to accept the recommendation of the C...