After the verdict is out for a stable and baggage-free Government in Jharkhand, names for probable ministers have begun doing rounds.
Initial indications suggest that the faces in the Cabinet would be selected based on clean image, younger look and just a blend of caste and social equations existing in the State. Though the curtain is about to be raised in a couple of days following the meeting of the BJP’s Parliamentary Board on Wednesday, probable names to fill the maximum 12 positions available also include some sure shots. It is learnt that majority of the BJP legislators elected this time have put their weight behind former Deputy Chief Minister and Jamshepur East MlA Raghubar Das for the chief minister’s post.
“The Parliamentary Board has discussed names and observers would come tomorrow (on Thursday). Our legislative body meeting would stamp on the name. As per the initial indications Raghubar ji may emerge to lead the government,” said Giridih MlA Nirbhay Shahabadi echoing the sentiment prevalent after the results.
Shahabadi is also into the race of a ministerial berth following his dream run in this election. The former JVM legislator succeeded in putting incumbent chief of the party Babulal Marandi on mat and with all probability he would be rewarded for his daring feat. “He is considered as noble and qualified face and may be a good forward caste candidate to be figured in,” said a senior BJP leader close to Das. However, Shahabadi played down the notion humbly. “It is all in the destiny. I just believe in working hard.”
Surety is also on the candidature of Saryu Roy with a twist. loyal to the party and the one who always considered sticking to the ideology of the BJP with a whistleblower image may be designated with Speaker’s post considering his seniority. “He comes from Jamshedpur West and it may become difficult to adjust two MlAs from adjoining constituencies together. He is also the senior most leader of the BJP in the State and serving under Raghubar Das may prove hindrance to him,” said a top source of the BJP. The logic also suits the lobby in the favour of five-time Ranchi MlA CP Singh who may give way to Roy as Speaker.
Notable representation into the Cabinet would also come from the Santhal Pargana region where the BJP has pushed its tally from two in 2009 to five in 2014. Front runner is of course the ‘giant killer’ louis Marandi who humbled outgoing Chief Minister Hemant Soren and that also from his own bastion Dumka. “She has many things in her favour such as being a woman, tribal, qualified, stain-free image, clean slate and obviously a giant killer,” said a party source. The region may get another representation in the form of young and dynamic organisational man Anant Ojha who retained Rajmahal seat for the BJP.
Raj Paliwar who defeated heavyweight minister and Muslim face of the JMM Haji Hussain Ansari by 6,884 votes from Madhupur and Raghunath Mandal from Godda are also the top contenders. Another giant killer Dr Neera Yadav from Koderma may also fit in with the second woman into the Cabinet. While Nagendra Mahto, who defeated veteran Binod Singh from Bagodar seat may be rewarded for his unexpected feat.
laxman Tudu of Ghatshila along with Shiv Shankar Oraon from Gumla may fulfill the tribal face of the government. Both leaders are the first timers and come with cleaner image. “If the think tank goes with experience then Neelkant Singh Munda is the name to talk about,” said a senior BJP leader. The long-time Khunti MlA is considered close to the Karia Munda camp.
In a balancing act, RK Kishore may represent the Palamu region. He has all the experience in politics, a dalit face and also the backing of VD Ram; Palamu MP. Sources are of the view that one berth would go to alliance partner AJSU and either KK Bhagat or Chandra Prakash Chaudhury would be roped in.