Coalition compulsions kept the Cabinet door ajar for three more in Jharkhand, as six new Ministers took oath on Sunday. The question is: what will the Congress so nextIJ
Haji Hussain Ansari, Simon Marandi, Champai Soren and Jaiprakash Bhai Patel (all JMM), Geetashree Oraon (Congress) and Suresh Paswan (RJD) were administered oath of office by Governor Syed Ahmed at Raj Bhavan.
Indications are that independent Bandhu Tirkey’s spirited attempt to get a Cabinet berth has brought the Congress to a stop in naming its Ministers. After extensive consultations with the Central leadership, the Mandar MlA has made up his mind to join the Congress for the sake of ministership.
“I have put forward some demands related to tribal issues and sarana code. Now, the ball is in the Congress’ court. I will plan my strategy only after their move,” said Tirkey, who has reportedly have been told to wait till Monday.
Congress sources also hinted that the party was considering its stand. A senior party functionary said, “He has put his weight behind the getting the post. Besides, Congress is also looking to induct strong leaders to improve its tally in the Assembly and gain an advantage in the general elections. He definitely has a good support base.” Strengthening the party before the polls tops the priorities for the Congress and this has been one of reasons behind its alliance with the JMM, RJD and independents. It is also the reason why it is hesitating before filling its Share of Cabinet seats.
On the other hand, the JMM made a strong statement in Sunday’s induction. It replaced heavyweights Mathura Prasad Mahto with son-in-law Jaiprakash Bhai Patel and Hemlal Murmu with Marandi.
It also slammed the door on the possibility of conceding a seat from its share to accommodate Tirkey.
The next and probably final expansion of Cabinet will take place before August 12.