Will the best ever performance of the BJP in Jharkhand be reflected in the dream Cabinet of Narendra Modi when he rises to take oath on MondayIJ The question is doing rounds in political circles and also among common masses.
Though the picture would become clear only after formation of the Government in Delhi, indications are that the State may get at least two berths into it. Eight-time veteran Karia Munda from Khunti and first timer in parliamentary elections Jayant Sinha from Hazaribagh are said to be the front runners from Jharkhand.
“I came to know that only 4-5 people close to Narendra Modi are finalising the names and the list. I expect that the State gets good representation in the Government. As far as my role is concerned, it is for the party to decide,” said Karia Munda, Deputy Speaker in the outgoing lok Sabha.
As per indications, Munda may be given a Cabinet berth this time if his age does not come in the way. “It has been a trend that at least one MP from the State gets status of Cabinet Minister. As far it had gone to Yashwant Sinha during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee tenures (in 1998 and 1999) and to Karia Munda before him. This trend should continue this time as well,” said a senior party leader.
The saffron party has contributed handsomely from the State into the best ever tally of the BJP at national level by bagging 12 out of 14 seats.Besides Cabinet berth Jharkhand is also expecting at least one Minister of State from the State.
This has been with the previous NDA rules at the Centre when Babulal Marandi and Rita Verma found place in the Vajpayee-led Government of 1999 together.
“Karia Munda’s name is almost final into the list. The only factor that may go against him is his age if ‘say no to 75+’ formula comes into play. For MoS berth Jayant Sinha is among top runners’ list. His qualification, age, experience and stature of his father Yashwant Sinha may tilt balance in his favour,” said a BJP leader camping in Delhi. lobbying for BJP Jharkhand president Ravindra Rai and Nishikant Dubey is also on considering the forthcoming Assembly polls.
Speculations are also rife about portfolios coming to the State. Taking into consideration Modi’s elections speeches in which he had given extra emphasis on deprivation of tribals and unjust and corrupt exploitation of mineral wealth it is likely that tribal welfare and mines and mineral ministries would fall in Jharkhand’s kitty.
“He had stressed on poverty and deprivation of tribals and blamed the Congress for not giving recognition to them. He also had mentioned loot of minerals and cited technology driven approach adopted by Gujarat Government to check illegal mining. These factors should play their role when he sits and decides the portfolios,” said a leader requesting anonymity.