The political clout of Union Minister for Steel and Mines Narendra Singh Tomar was on full display here on Monday when his official press briefing in Bhopal turned out to be a gathering of those seeking political appointments in boards and corporation.
After the lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha and municipal elections are over in Madhya Pradesh, there have been talks that soon appointments in boards and corporations would be made in the State. Following this, the aspirants are already out lobbying for their desired appointments.
Tomar had arrived in Bhopal on Monday highlighting the Modi Government and his department. This is a grand exercise since Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed one year in office in May this year. Tomar has been given responsibility of propagating the achievements in Madhya Pradesh and he has already completed two rounds in Gwalior and Bhopal.
The aspirants seeking political appointments in Madhya Pradesh were in full strength at the venue at hotel Palash Residency. Tomar faced problems in meeting all of them who queued up to see him. Some of them simply remained there to catch his attention.
The prominent leaders among those who were present were chief spokesman of the State BJP Vijendra Singh Sisodia, State media in-charge Hitesh Bajpai, State vice-president of the party Vijesh lunawat, spokespersons Deepak Vijayvargiya and Prakash Mirchandani, Sunil Pandey, Sanjay Khoche and others.
Since the press conference of the Union Minister was an official one, his party BJP had nothing to do with the event. The political observers feel that the gathering of party leaders was simply an attempt to lobby for their candidatures. Notably, Tomar has been a powerful leader in Madhya Pradesh for decades, ever since he had been a Minister in the State Government. He is considered having good rapport with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Moreover, the political appointments in boards and corporations are made by the Chief Minister only.