The unprecedented delay in the portfolio allotment among 28 Cabinet Ministers in the State Government three days after the Ministers were sworn in on Christmas, is causing unrest among them.
While the Congress officially claimed there was no delay in the allocation of portfolios, sources in the party as well as opposition BJP have maintained that power tussles and groupism were creating hurdles.
Party sources said after inducting loyalists into the cabinet, all camps wanted good portfolios, and these tussles were causing a delay.
They said portfolios like Home, Finance, Urban Administration and Development and Public Works Department were the most in demand.
Congress sources pointed out that of the 28 cabinet ministers sworn in on December 25, the maximum number (10) were from the Digvijaya camp, nine were close to Nath and eight loyal to Scindia.
Congress media cell chairperson Shobha Oza refuted the allegations of delay in portfolio allocation or factionalism in the party, saying, “Today is only the third day after the swearing-in of ministers.
“There is no delay as completion of any process takes time.”
“The chief minister is discussing this issue and will allocate the portfolios suitably. The allocation may take place soon.”
On Thursday, former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan took a swipe at the Congress over the delay in portfolio allocation.
Talking to media persons at his residence, Chouhan said, "I extended my wishes to the new government, but it is a matter of concern how the formation of cabinet was delayed and now portfolio distribution was being delayed. We are seeing media reports and various Congress leaders are insisting on particular departments, causing delay in the allocation. Quota of different camps (of Congress) was fixed. This delay is historic and never happened in the state," he added.