Ministry expansion off till end of budget session of House
BHOPAL : The chances of expansion of the council of ministers in the near future have receded with the budget session of the state Assembly commencing from Tuesday. The hopes of the aspirants, who were camping in the state capital for the past one week, lie shattered.
It is for the fourth time in the past six months when the aspirants had to face disappointment. Hoping for a ministerial berth, Rustam Singh, Jaibhan Pabaiya, Archana Chitnis, Sanjay Pathak, Vishwas Sarang and Nanabhau Mahor were staying put in the state capital.
Several Ministers were also hopeful that their portfolios would be changed. Sources said Chauhan, during the Kisan Sammelan on February 18, had promised the aspirants that the ministry would be expanded soon.
An MLA, who was keen on becoming a Minister, refused to make any comment on record saying that he would have to suffer if he opened his mouth. He said he and others were hopeful as the Chief Minister had said that the ministry would be expanded between February 19-23 February.
These disappointed MLAs may open a front in Delhi. They may also complain to BJP state in-charge Vinay Sahastrabudhey and National Organisational General Secretary Ramlal.
Chauhan had first announced that the ministry would be expanded in August, 2015 when the Vyapam controversy was at its peak. After the announcement of the results of civic body polls on August 16, Chauhan had announced that expansion would be done by the month end. Next, the aspirants were asked to wait till January and Chauhan even assured one of them that he would hoist the national flag on the Republic Day. Then Chauhan told the aspirants that the expansion would be done after Maihar bye-polls but before the budget session.
Chauhan has had discussions with Sahastrabudhey and Union Minister Narendra Singh on cabinet expansion. Opposition of top leaders on some names is also said to be a reason behind the delay. As the expansion may trigger disaffection in the party, Chauhan has yet again postponed the exercise. He is keen that the budget session passes off peacefully.
