Sources in both JMM and Congress revealed that they have decided to maintain status quo and not make any changes in the cabinet to stay away from controversy and resentment in the party in view of the upcoming parliamentary elections.
The cabinet expansion of Champai Soren government in Jharkhand is to take place on 16 February (today evening) at 4 pm. Let us tell you that Hemant Soren had to resign from the post of Chief Minister due to his arrest by ED in the land scam case.
After this, on February 2, Champai Soren took oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand in the new government formed under special political circumstances. Along with him, state legislature party leader Alamgir Alam and RJD MLA Satyanand Bhokta also took oath.
There is speculation that Hemant Soren’s younger brother Basant Soren is ready to become Deputy CM in the cabinet expansion of Champhai government. Congress CLP Alamgir Alam can also be made Deputy CM.
Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress have kept the list of potential ministers secret, which has increased the speculation. Leaders of both the parties say that the names of the MLAs who are going to become ministers will be announced at the appropriate time.
Old faces may get preference in the cabinet
A reliable source of Congress told the media that the names will remain confidential till the last moment, the list will be sent directly to Raj Bhavan. Reliable sources have refuted speculations about Sita Soren being made a minister, indicating that she will not be included. JMM is likely to give preference to familiar faces for ministerial posts. Basant Soren may be the only exception.
Keeping in mind the upcoming elections, Congress can give preference to its experienced members in the cabinet. He is expected to nominate three ministers. The 12th ministerial post in the Champai cabinet can go to Congress’s account and in future a woman MLA can be included in the cabinet. Ghulam Ahmed Mir is present in Ranchi. Through him, Congress will try to remove the possible dissatisfaction that may arise among its MLAs after the cabinet expansion.
