Bhajan Lal’s son ahead in race for Dy CM

Fresh trouble is brewing in Haryana, with reports indicating that Chander Mohan, son of Pradesh Congress Committee President Bhajan Lal, is likely to take over as Deputy CM. Though an official notification is awaited, CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, in Delhi, hasn’t rubbished the claims.

Asked if seniority wasn’t crucial to a minister’s elevation to deputy chief ministership, Hooda told reporters, ‘‘It isn’t just seniority. Many factors have to be taken into account.’’ Upset over the move, many ministers have landed in Delhi to reason with the high command. But it is learnt that Bhajan Lal made way for Hooda only after the leadership agreed to make his son Deputy CM.

Of the 10 cabinet ministers, seven have been ministers earlier. Chander Mohan has got a ministerial berth for the first time. Randeep Singh Surjewala and Om Prakash Jindal are also senior to Chander Mohan.

Meanwhile, the government effected a bureaucratic shuffle today — transfer and posting orders were issued to 54 IAS officers.