The JMM-Congress-RJD coalition in Jharkhand hurriedly formed a government in the State after Hemant Soren’s arrest by ED, but in the prevailing situation allotment of ministerial berths to MLAs appears to be a tough task for the leaders. On one hand, several Congress MLAs are pushing for space in the State Cabinet and on the other hand JMM senior leaders and former CM Hemant Soren’s brother and sister-in-law are eyeing ministerial positions.
Chief Minister Champai Soren (JMM) has taken oath with two ministers Alamgir Alam (Congress) and the lone MLA of RJD in Jharkhand (Satyanand Bhokta) in a Cabinet where a maximum of 12 ministers including the Chief Minister can be accommodated.
Congress MLAs Irfan Ansari, Pradeep Yadav, Umashankar Yadav Akela, Deepika Pandey Singh and others are eyeing ministerial positions. In the previous government Congress’ Alamgir Alam, Dr Rameshwar Oraon, Banna Gupta and Badal were ministers, but this time the equations are likely to change.
Senior Congress leader Umashankar Yadav Akela has raised their voice this time for his inclusion in the Cabinet. He is claiming the ministerial berth based on his political experience of four decades. On the other hand, Irfan Ansari, being a doctor, is looking for the Health Minister’s position. His father Furkan Ansari is a senior Congress leader in the State. Pradeep Yadav and Deepika Pandey Singh are also strong contenders for the posts with their political experience and oratory skills. Deepika Pandey Singh is also considered close to AICC senior leaders.
In the JMM also there are a good number of MLAs seeking ministerial berths. Former CM Hemant Soren’s sister-in-law Sita Soren is confident of becoming a minister after Guruji’s (Shibu Soren) blessings, while his younger brother Basant Soren has also kept fingers closed given the fact that he played a crucial role in managing disgruntled MLAs before the floor test.
The troubles of Champai Soren have increased with the claims of MLAs from the Kolhan area, who are this time vocal and want at least two ministerial positions in the government. The Kolhan area holds significance as the JMM has won several seats from here in the 2019 polls. Senior JMM MLA Stephen Marandi is also confident of getting a ministerial position this time.
In the previous Hemant Soren-led government the Cabinet comprised 11 ministers and one ministerial position was kept vacant. But, this time legislators are keeping hopes that the berth will be filled and there will be a good representation of both parties in the Cabinet.
The Cabinet expansion is likely to take place on February 8.
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