PM to shuffle pack, move Shatru

A hunt is on to find another portfolio for Health Minister Shatrughan Sinha, who has come under immense criticism for his ‘‘casual approach’’ to his ministry. Petroleum Minister Ram Naik may also move to another ministry.

Slated to be BJP-focused, the swearing-in could take place on Wednesday morning or if postponed for some reason, Friday. Vajpayee had prolonged consultations with Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani, Finance Minister Jaswant Singh and BJP president M. Venkaiah Naidu on the issue tonight.

The two names under consideration for Krishnamurthi’s replacement are those of BJP general secretary Arun Jaitley and eminent lawyer L.M. Singhvi, the party’s Rajya Sabha member from Rajasthan. An important factor in the case of Jatiley is Naidu, whose concurrence would be necessary for his return from the organisation to the Government.

Though Raje is insistent upon her continuation for at least two more months, Vajpayee may bow to pressure from the party that she be dropped so that she may devote herself completely to the coming Rajasthan assembly elections. Coal and Mines Minister Uma Bharti, who would lead the party campaign in the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections, may continue, however.

Keshubhai is being rewarded for his ‘‘good conduct’’ in the Gujarat elections, while Krishnamurthi is sought to be punished for the resistance he put up when sounded to give up the BJP presidency. However, the reasons being advanced for the latter’s ouster range from ill-health to inefficiency.

Thakur’s return has been prompted by the fact that he is a popular Bhumihar leader of Bihar and his induction may somewhat balance the over-representation of Kayasths from the state.