Gehlot, Uma also get prize ministries
BHOPAL: As many as five members of the Union Cabinet are from Madhya Pradesh – an impressive figure by all means. But even more importantly, they have been given key portfolios, which has the potential of propelling Madhya Pradesh on the fast lane to growth. The only exception is Sushma Swaraj, who, as the External Affairs Minister can do little for the State that has been sending her to the Lok Sabha with huge majorities for the past several elections.
The state BJP chief Narendra Singh Tomar has emerged as a heavy-weight Union Minister. He has been entrusted with the Ministries of Steel and Mining and Labour and employment. All the four are key responsibilities. With Tomar at the helm of the Mining ministry, Madhya Pradesh can hope for the solution of many of its problems. The state has been at loggerheads with the Centre on the issue of coal mining. Similarly, many of its mining projects are hanging fire for want of central clearance. Clearly, the state can hope for ‘Acche Din’.
Uma Bharati has got the ministry of Water resources. In most parts of the state, the farmers are dependent on rains and Uma can aid the state increasing the irrigation potential in the state, especially in satiating the thirst of the parched Bundelkhand region – from where she hails.
Thawarchand Gehlot will be holding the charge of the Social Justice Department. Over the last couple of years, the state government has launched many schemes in the social sector. These include Kanyadaan, Nikah, Pension for parents of single girl child and so on. The state government can hope to get more central aid for these schemes. Najma Heptullah, who will be holding the Minorities portfolio, can also aid the state’s efforts to give an impetus to schemes like modernisation of Madarsas.
State was fortunate in UPA regime too
As far as the portfolios of Ministers from the State is concerned, MP was fortunate in the UPA regime too. Kamalnath was holding the key portfolios of Parliamentary affairs and Urban Development while Jyotiraditya Scindia was the MoS (Independent charge) for Power. All the three departments are considered important. Prior to that, Kantilal Bhuria was Minister for Tribal affairs – again important for MP with a substantial tribal population. The PCC chief Arun Yadav worked as MoS for Heavy Industries and Public Industries and later of Agriculture and Food processing industries.
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