Rajasthan: Rahul Gandhi’s nod for ministry allotment awaited

After meeting on consecutive days, declaration of ministry allocation of the Ashok Gehlot government remains subject to approval from Congress national president Rahul Gandhi. The issue was discussed at a meeting with Rahul Gandhi on late Friday evening, a final decision though is expected to take a couple of more days.  “We wish the decision to be reached with mutual consent, leaving no scope for internal discontent. It might be by Sunday that an official announcement could be made in the direction,” a senior party leader told DNA. 

As senior party leaders, including chief minister Ashok Gehlot, deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot and party state in-charge Avinash Pandey deliberate on the issue, several MLAs of the party are also camping in Delhi for the past couple of days.  Each of the ministry aspirant claims caste support and experience to support their candidature. The party, with the parliamentary election of 2019 on its priority, seeks for a balance. 

There are several senior MLAs and former ministers who have won in the recent assembly election. There are also many others who have consecutive victories to their credit. These merits are being further tested in accordance with the loyalty towards the party leadership and government. 

According to party sources, the national leadership is cautious after the disagreement witnessed over the chief minister’s choice.and do not wish it to reflect on the ministry distribution. However, it is going to be a tough decision as both the chief minister and his deputy will attempt to reward their supporters. A draft of the ministry though is expected to be reached till late Friday night. 

It is being expected that the party initially would declare a small cabinet with less than a dozen ministers. There might also be appointment of few state ministers. Discussions are also being held on reorganisation of party offices to accommodate those who are left out while political postings will be assured to others.