The uncertainty over expansion of Hemant Soren Cabinet in the State is yet to get over with alliance partners demanding larger shares in the newly formed coalition Government. The INC is demanding six births in the Cabinet and the party hinted that it will not accept anything less than five seats.
On the day of Soren’s oath taking ceremony, Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee (JPCC) Chief Rameshwar Oraon and JPCC Legislature Party Leader, Alalmgir Alam and RJD’s lone MLA from Chatra, Satyanand Bhokta also took oath as Cabinet Minister in the State Govt. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Indian National Congress (INC) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) are the three allies in the Government that has been voted to power this time.
It may be mentioned here that JMM, INC and RJD contested the election under the banner of ‘Grand Alliance’. Out of total 81 seats in the State Assembly, JMM contested on 43 seats, INC had got 30 seats and RJD contested on 7 seats. After announcement of elections results on December 23, the alliance got a majority of total 47 seats out of which JMM won 30 seats, INC won 16 seats and RJD won only one seat.
After the result announcement it was decided that Govt will be formed in State under leadership of Hemant Soren with support of INC and RJD.
A total of 12 members, including the Chief Minister, will be inducted in the Cabinet. Out of which INC is demanding six berths. JPCC Spokesperson Alok Kumar Dubey said that the party has decided that it will demand six births and the party needs at least five portfolios according to its share in the State Government.
JMM sources hinted that JMM MLA from Gandey, Sarfaraj Ahmad will be named the Speaker of the State Assembly. It will be officially announced on Sunday late evening or on Monday.
There are various leaders in INC lobbying to get Ministerial berth in the Hemant Soren Government. According to a party insider, former Minister in the State Government and six-time MLA from Bermo, Rajendra Prasad Singh is a frontrunner. “Other probable candidates are first time MLA from Barkagaon, Amba Prasad as she is one of the few woman MLAs. Other than her, Banna Gupta from Jamshedpur West seat will be the party face as he belongs to other backward class. If Gupta will be inducted then Amba will not get birth as she also belongs to same class,” he added.