Reshuffle erodes PM’s authority, worries Cong

The steps being taken by Vajpayee, however, would not revive the sinking fortunes of the BJP, Reddy held. He described the reshuffle as having taken place just because ‘‘the non-Hindutva parties have lost their bargaining leverage; splits have been created in them to deny their legitimate due. They have been reduced to the status of bonded labourers.’’

‘‘ We are not interested in personalities, but we are surely concerned about erosion of the august authority of Prime Minister. Certainly, the country cannot have the PM’s authority eroded and watered down,’’ replied Reddy to a query.

The Congress expressed surprise that Advani had hinted at these changes during the Goa session of his party much before the changes were effected. ‘‘This was unprecedented, a minister making announcements about the changes in the Cabinet,’’ he added.