Despite the political turmoil in Jharkhand, the Congress top leadership's initiative to bet on the old team may prove costly for the entire government. When Hemant Soren resigned from the post of Chief Minister, there was a strong possibility that new faces from Congress would be included in the team of new Chief Minister Champai Soren.
Party MLAs were already putting pressure on this matter. Even when an initiative was taken to take the MLAs to Hyderabad to keep them united, they were assured that their sentiments would be taken care of. This had raised hopes among the MLAs running in the race that they would be given a chance in the reshuffle, but on Friday, when only three MLAs who were in the old government were called for the oath taking. There was an uproar among the MLAs who missed the meeting at Raj Bhavan.
About a dozen MLAs immediately gathered and protested but it was too late. If such unity had been seen earlier, the situation would have been different. Earlier, most of the former Congress MLAs were lobbying separately to get a place in the cabinet. The risk in this situation was that keeping one or two in Team Champaign would create even more problems.
At that time, there was a possibility of further uproar among the MLAs who were deprived of becoming ministers. This is the reason why the top leadership of Congress considered it appropriate to repeat the old team. The suspense was maintained till the last minute so that there was no interruption.
may still get a chance
The Congress leadership assured the MLAs that nothing has been damaged so far. They can decide on a mutual name and move ahead. The problem is that the posts are less and the contenders are more. However, disgruntled MLAs say they will take initiative for the name.
Baidyanath Ram's name was removed due to pressure
JMM MLA Baidyanath Ram from Latehar was certain to become a minister from the party quota. His name was also sent to Raj Bhavan but Congress objected to it at the last moment. The message was given that the 12th ministerial post is already vacant. Mutual consent is necessary to take decisions in this regard. In view of Congress's objection, the top leadership of JMM withdrew the proposal.