After the by-elections, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is facing a fresh challenge to keep party cadre satisfied especially those who left the Congress party to join BJP in March this year.
As one of the Ministers (ex-Congressman) Aidal Singh Kansana had resigned soon after losing in the bypoll, two Scindia loyalists –Imarti Devi and Girraj Dandotiya are yet to resign from Cabinet d espite their losses in the just concluded by-elections from Dabra and Dimni seats respectively.
Imarti Devi, after her loss had publically claimed that she will continue to be a Minister despite her loss in bypoll, a claim which is yet to be challenged by the party.Party insiders say those who lost shall be accommodated in boards and corporations.
Both the Ministers could serve in Cabinet till Dec 31, to complete their six-months-period without being an MLA but afterwards, they had to resign as there is no chance of them returning to Assembly.
Besides, two former Ministers, both Scindia aides, Tulsiram Silawat and Govind Singh Rajput, too are awaiting their return to Cabinet as they had resigned in October after completion of six months. Both have won with sizable votes and are strong claimants of a berth in Cabinet.
Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta demanded resignation from Imarti Devi and Girraj Dandotiya on moral grounds saying their continuance in Cabinet will be a disrespect to democracy. Minister of State Bharat Singh Kushwah told that BJP was a vast organisation and everyone works here as a party worker and those who lost will be assigned key responsibility in party and Government. Meanwhile several others are also demanding regional balance as in the run up to bypolls, Gwalior-Chambal region had pocketed lion’s share on key posts.Senior MLA who left Congress to join BJP early this year, Bisahulal Singh has openly staked claim on Assembly speaker’s post. Saying that every person loves his/her region, Singh on Monday had told the media if the public of Vindhya wishes for speaker’s post, the BJP Government should fulfil it.
Former minister Ajay Vishnoi too backed Singh saying there should be regional balance in the Government while keeping an eye on 2023 Assembly polls. Vishnoi who himself is a claimant for speaker’s post, though denied his claim saying he believes in 360 days working and not in 60-days-annual work (as a speaker).Also a claimant for Ministerial berth in Shivraj Cabinet and BJP’s prominent face from Vindhya region, Rajendra Shukl said that CM Shivraj will take a call on Cabinet expansion. He dubbed Bisahulal Singh’s remarks as his personal opinion.
Amid speculations over Cabinet expansion, CM Shivraj has clarified that this is not due in near future, fuelling more unease among claimants.