A sudden Delhi visit of Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Finance Minister cum Jharkhand Congress president Rameshwar Oraon has fuelled speculation of probable Cabinet reshuffle of the Soren led JMM-Congress-RJD Government in the State.
Both left for Delhi on Tuesday and they are expected to stay here for a couple of days. However, about Oraon it was maintained that he visited Delhi for treatment. But the CM's itinerary was not disclosed.
Oraon is learnt to have met senior central Congress leader Pawan Kumar Bansal to discuss organizational issues as well as the performance of the State government.
Sources in the ruling alliance confided that the portfolios of some of the ministers may be changed. “Besides, there is the possibility of picking and dropping ministers. There are several other issues, like better coordination in the government, which are expected to be discussed. But, when and how it is going can’t be said,” an MLA of the ruling alliance confided. Notably, one Cabinet berth is also vacant in the Hemant Soren led government.
The Congress is under pressure to ensure representation of Christian community in the ministry. Sources added that Congress’ Kolebira MLA Naman Bixal Kongari is being considered as the probable ministerial face.
There are other outstanding issues that the Congress wants to resolve as early as possible. Two MLAs of the breakaway faction of the JVM Bandhu Tirkey and Pradeep Kumar Yadav had joined the Congress. But their joining was marred by legal implications of anti-defection law. Their case is pending before the Jharkhand Assembly Speaker. Both are leaders of a considerable mass base. The Central leadership of the Congress wants an early decision regarding both the MLAs.
The post of chairpersons of a number of boards and corporations are vacant where appointments could not be made due to health emergencies.