Soni waits, deputies hurry to join I&B

Two ministers of state, one each from the Trinamool Congress and the DMK, appointed in the information and broadcasting ministry are in a greater hurry to join office than the cabinet minister in charge, Ambika Soni of the Congress.

Soni reached her Shastri Bhavan office early on Friday but did not take charge. She has reportedly sought changes in her chamber. Her office at Parivahan Bhavan, when she was minister for tourism in the previous government, was tastefully done up.

Soni’s predecessor in I&B, Anand Sharma, has moved to commerce and industry. Sharma, MoS for external affairs in the previous government, was given additional charge of I&B after Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi fell ill.

Till Thursday, when the portfolios were announced, the I&B ministry was abuzz that Sharma would be back at the helm. Perhaps the minister’s room was kept ready with Sharma in mind, a source said.

Soni told reporters that she had come to the office to check out the rooms of her colleagues — ministers of state Mohan Jatua and S Jagathrakshakan. “I will take over on Monday and speak to you then,” she said.

Jatua (Trinamool Congress) was punctual in joining office on Friday. He was also keen on meeting reporters and sharing his views on broadcast issues. Jagathrakshakan is scheduled to take over on Saturday, also ahead of Soni.

Giving a broad roadmap of what is on her agenda, Soni said the Commonwealth Games in Delhi next year would be a key area for the ministry.