RLD
chief Ajit Singh is tipped for a plum ministry as part of his alliance
with Congress for UP elections amid indications that it might happen
soon.
NEW DELHI: The prospects of bail for DMK leaders Kanimozhi and A Raja has the Congress thinking of a larger Cabinet reshuffle, with the likely inclusion of RLD chief Ajit Singh being part of the return of M Karunanidhi's nominees at the Centre.
Congress leaders said Ajit Singh's entry into the cabinet could be merged with DMK's return. The RLD chief is tipped for a plum ministry as part of his alliance with Congress for UP elections amid indications that it might happen soon.
Party strategists have not been too comfortable with the idea of his solo entry since it would show the expansion of Union Cabinet as dictated by political expediency of UP elections. However, if DMK leaders accused in the 2G scam do step out of jail, the Centre would be tempted to persuade Karunanidhi to restore the DMK's membership in the Cabinet. It could result in a meaty reshuffle figuring DMK and RLD, thereby saving Congress the embarrassment.
Though inclusion of RLD cannot be dragged much, the DMK duo has moved court for advancing of its bail hearing scheduled for December 1. This has brightened the prospects of a larger reshuffle. However, any signs of delay for Kanimozhi's bail would see Ajit Singh take oath alone.
Sources said Ajit Singh's case is in the prime minister's court, awaiting a green signal on the ministry to be given to him. An in-principle agreement was sealed earlier. The RLD chief, given his seniority, has sought a weighty portfolio, a tough ask in view of Congress facing the compulsion of ejecting its own member to accommodate the new ally. Sources said it would be difficult for Congress to ask any of the existing allies to vacate a berth for the new partner.
The western UP-based outfit has sealed a deal on around 60 seats, with Congress contesting the rest. The nitty-gritties over specific constituencies too have been settled and the package is awaiting final clearance from the PMO.
Congress leaders said Ajit Singh's entry into the cabinet could be merged with DMK's return. The RLD chief is tipped for a plum ministry as part of his alliance with Congress for UP elections amid indications that it might happen soon.
Party strategists have not been too comfortable with the idea of his solo entry since it would show the expansion of Union Cabinet as dictated by political expediency of UP elections. However, if DMK leaders accused in the 2G scam do step out of jail, the Centre would be tempted to persuade Karunanidhi to restore the DMK's membership in the Cabinet. It could result in a meaty reshuffle figuring DMK and RLD, thereby saving Congress the embarrassment.
Though inclusion of RLD cannot be dragged much, the DMK duo has moved court for advancing of its bail hearing scheduled for December 1. This has brightened the prospects of a larger reshuffle. However, any signs of delay for Kanimozhi's bail would see Ajit Singh take oath alone.
Sources said Ajit Singh's case is in the prime minister's court, awaiting a green signal on the ministry to be given to him. An in-principle agreement was sealed earlier. The RLD chief, given his seniority, has sought a weighty portfolio, a tough ask in view of Congress facing the compulsion of ejecting its own member to accommodate the new ally. Sources said it would be difficult for Congress to ask any of the existing allies to vacate a berth for the new partner.
The western UP-based outfit has sealed a deal on around 60 seats, with Congress contesting the rest. The nitty-gritties over specific constituencies too have been settled and the package is awaiting final clearance from the PMO.
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