Laxman’s dilemma leads to delay in Union Cabinet expansion

Highly placed sources said that Laxman talked to Sushma Swaraj over the telephone today soon after taking over as BJP chief. He wanted her to accept the responsibility.

But she was unwilling to shoulder the same at this juncture considering that “some elements” are bent upon creating an atmosphere of mistrust between her and the leadership.

This unexpected development has delayed the expansion of the ministry also as the exercise could not be completed today.

Laxman will be meeting the Prime Minister either tonight or tomorrow to discuss the composition of new team and related affairs. He held first round of talks with Kushabhau Thakre and Union Home Minister L K Advani last night. He held talks with other senior party leaders on forming his team today.

Laxman is keen to induct new and young faces who can be developed as potential leaders when the next general elections take place in 2004.

He told The Indian Express

that he will be able to finalise his new team within next three days.

According to indications, the Prime Minister is keen to induct Venkaiah Naidu into the Cabinet before September 5. He even told Naidu to delay his departure to the USA. It is a different matter that the Prime Minister himself delayed his departure to the USA by two days now due to health reasons.

The Prime Minister has also indicated to the Shiv Sena leaders that no extra Cabinet post could be given to it. However, he may be willing to reshuffle portfolios allotted to some of them. Shiv Sena has been allocated three portfolios in the Council of Ministers.

Similarly, there are indications that changes may be made in the petroleum and aviation sectors as well. O Rajgopal who is Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, may be given another portfolio also – Railways – as he was divested of Law. He could not have continued in Law under Arun Jaitley who is also a minister of state holding independent charge of the ministry.

Laxman, on his part, is planning to appoint a panel of spokespersons with two general secretaries – Narendra Modi and K N Govindacharya.