Cabinet reshuffle: Eyes on Punjab, UP elections

With Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee making it clear that she would like her party to retain the Railways portfolio, the exercise for a major cabinet reshuffle has begun in right earnest.

Earlier, the Congress high command had suggested to Mamata that instead of Railways the TMC can take two other portfolios as the government is keen for major reforms in the sector.

When Mamata came to the national capital the subject came up for a discussion between her and Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

It was also suggested to her that the TMC can take two full cabinet berths if she gives up Railways as this major infrastructure ministry be handled by a senior leader. Since there are no senior leaders in her party, it would be appropriate if the TMC cooperates.

However, Mamata clearly said Railways is crucial to her party and also for West Bengal. It was the Railways that gave her the political mileage over the Left. Therefore, it would not be possible for her to do so.

Sources close to Mamata told the DNA that she also indicated that Mukul Roy be made Cabinet rank minister in the Railways ministry. He is presently minister of state in railways along with two other ministers of state. 

Sources in the government said at least three Union ministers, who were to be dropped from the cabinet and survived at the last minute, are sure to go on July 2 when the reshuffle takes place. Virbhadra Singh, Kantilal Bhuria and MS Gill are in the exit lounge and so are one or two faces from Maharashtra.

The focus of the party is Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand and Punjab where assembly polls are due next year. Therefore, while reshuffling these factors have to be borne in mind. Talks are also under way with RLD leader Ajit Singh so that the Congress can consolidate its gains in UP. 

With suspense over Railways ministry over, the Congress high command has to deal with another UPA partner — DMK.
It has been demanding a Cabinet berth ever since A Raja was sent to jail. It seems the Congress leadership may not like to alienate its partner further. The DMK chief M Karunanidhi has been throwing tantrums over Lokpal Bill and other issues.
The Congress high command also has to decide whether to bring Punjab

governor Shivraj Patil into Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra. He had resigned as home minister in the wake of 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
The continuous bitterness between two senior party stalwarts — Pranab Mukherjee and P Chidambaram — has provided an opportunity to Patil to pitch in. The Rajya Sabha seat has fallen vacant in the wake Prithviraj Chavan moving in as Maharashtra chief minister.

A final call on Patil’s induction into the Rajya Sabha may signal his entry into the Cabinet too. A decision to this effect is likely to be taken in the next one week.