Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for a ‘Majboot Sarkar’ (Strong Government) rather than a ‘Majboor Sarkar’ (Helpless Government) seem to have become the roadblock for Cabinet expansion for the runilng coalition as even after 28 days of Government formation in the State the BJP think tank is mulling possibilities of getting more MlAs in its fold for a strong Government.
Despite the CM and the senior party leaders maintaining a ‘politically correct’ stand and assuring that the Cabinet will be expanded within few days, the party seems to be in no mood to take any risk in the future and get enough MlAs in its fold to maintain the magic figure of 41 on its own, said sources.
The 37 member BJP has former Government in coalition with five member AJSU party in the State crossing the magic figure by just one MlA. The support of a gullible AJSU party, which has a dubious reputation of political bargaining in Jharkhand politics is well known, is a matter of concern for the party, said party insiders adding that the party was therefore pondering over possibilities of some MlAs willing to enter the saffron party fold.
“The first and best strategy of the party was to try for a possible merger of the Jharkhand Vikas Morcha with the BJP but after the failure of talks the party was looking for MlAs of other parties who are willing to join the fold,” a senior leader said requesting anonymity.
“I cannot name the party and the MlAs but at least three MlAs have agreed to join the BJP fold, though they are trying to bargain with the party. And, this time the decision makers are not in the bargaining mood. It is better to wait and watch the decision will be taken in a couple of days,” he added.
Party insiders hinted that few MlAs of the Congress were in talks with the BJP, however their expectations were high enough to fulfilled. “You cannot make space for everyone in the Cabinet. If someone is demanding a ministerial berth party would better snap talks than succumb to unnecessary pressure. Even if the talks fail the party is enjoying majority in the House and this time there is no risk of instability,” said a source.
BJP State president Ravindra Rai chose to keep mum on the issue suggesting that the decision was to be taken by the CM.
However, sources in the CMO said that Cabinet expansion would take after January 30 as the CM was likely to visit Delhi after the Republic Day celebrations.