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| Omar's performance being scrutinised, Cong ministers under check | | J&K's political landscape all set to change | | Syed Junaid Hashmi
NEW DELHI, Jan 21: Jammu and Kashmir is all set to witness swift political developments after the results of the assembly elections in five states especially Uttar Pradesh (UP) are out. Reshuffle of portfolios of some cabinet ministers coupled with replacement of ministers from congress side alongwith induction of fresh faces would be major political changes.
Sources close to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and General Secretary Rahul Gandhi said "Chief Minister Omar Abduallah's three year performance would be scrutinised and changes necessary in state cabinet would be affected." They added that performance of two cabinet ministers and two state ministers from congress is being monitored on weekly basis.
"We have received hundreds of complaints against these four congress ministers. From making illegal appointments to receving graft, people have made all kinds of accusations in the complaint letters adressed to Prime Ministers, UPA Chairperson and Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi. These may be baseless but caution has to be taken to ensure faith of people does not take a beating," added the sources. They disclosed "If proven, they would be shown the door."
Sources said that the two vacant slots of congress would be filled up soon. "There is urgency. We cannot keep the Roads and Buildings (R&B) ministry with the Chief Minister for long. It is our portfolio and we have to retain it," added the sources. They stressed that PWD minister would be from district Doda while a Minister of State (MOS) is likely to be replaced with another younger face. "Preference would be given to freshers. Region makes no difference. Performance matters," said the source.
About the contenders, sources said "We have to strike a fine balance between PCC Chief and the Union Minister for Health Ghulam Nabi Azad. The PCC Chief would have final say but advice of Azad, who served as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir would help in identifying the right man. Reshuffle as well as induction would be collective decision ofall the stakeholders."
When asked about the timing of reshuffle, the source said "Omar's decision matters since he is the Chief Minister but political dimensions would not remain same after elections in five states are over. General Secretary Rahul Gandhi's stature would taken an upward swing if Congress does good in Uttar Pradesh (UP) elections. His rise would change too much in Jammu and Kashmir since he is unlike traditional politicians who keep their interest above the national interest."
They added that it is wrong to say that New Delhi has given immunity to any cabinet minister or for that matter Minister of State (MOS). "Come what may, Corrupt would not be spared. If Chief Minister fails to take action, we would ask our PCC Chief to take action and withdraw the minister," said close aide of UPA chairperson. He added that action was taken against former PWD minister Ghulam Mohammed Saroori after his name surfaced in a scam.
"Omar asked Saroori to resign after taking consent from the high command. PCC Chief as well as we in New Delhi were very much part of the decision," added the aide. On being asked that some ministers have been bypassing the PCC Chief, the aide said "General Secretary of AICC Rahul Gandhi would not allow this to continue for long. PCC chief has to be taken seriously and it is he, who has to act as bridge between New Delhi and J&K Congress." |
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