Last 15 days were interspersed with speculations, rumours and political gossips. Stung by defeats in the bypolls, BJP was busy mulling over reasons behind the debacle. The chief minister Vasundhara Raje reportedly discussed with senior party leaders about new ‘cabinet combination’ with which the incumbent should go to poll and counter anti-incumbency which had reflected big in the bypolls. The discussion peaked so much so that appointment of even two deputy chief ministers did rounds. All the ministers looked to be on tenterhooks. But as the pressure zoomed out,
With hardly 240 days to go to polls, reshuffle now looks a remote possibility. The chief minister Vasundhara Raje has already jumped into the poll bandwagon touring different parts of states, holding public hearing and reaching out to the last strata. Similarly, other cabinet ministers and party leaders too are visiting various constituencies to soothe the public nerves.
“There’s very little time left. At this point cabinet reshuffle would be counter-productive. There is no time for new minister to settle down and work. In such condition, work will hamper in that department and party will lose ground,” said a senior cabinet minister.
The BJP state incharge Avinash Rai Khanna has also hinted that there would be no change in the party and cabinet before the 2018 elections.
“Cabinet reshuffle or any change in leadership is all media speculations. There will be no change and we will fight together for 2018 victory,” he said.
The government also doesn’t want to take chances in doing a rejig. There are several posts of boards’ chairmen vacant which can be used to accommodate party leaders who have large base of community voters.
“Political postings may happen to pacify certain communities which look a little perturbed with the ruling party. Adjusting them in cabinet may create furore among others. So CM will not like to stir the hornet nest,” said another cabinet minister.
