Jharkhand Cabinet Likely to Expand Ahead of December 9 Session

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren met Congress President Keshav Mahato to discuss cabinet expansion.
2. A special session of the assembly is scheduled for December 9, with a trust vote likely.
3. Sources indicate that the swearing-in of new ministers will take place in the coming days.
4. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) will hold 7 seats, Congress 4, and RJD 1 in the cabinet.
5. Intense competition is underway within Congress for its four cabinet positions, based on various criteria.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

The Need for Cabinet Expansion

On Saturday, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren met with Congress President Keshav Mahato to discuss the long-awaited cabinet expansion. During his first cabinet meeting, Soren had indicated that the expansion would happen soon. With the special session of the state assembly scheduled for December 9, sources suggest the cabinet will be expanded ahead of the session, possibly coinciding with a trust vote, adding importance to the formation of the new council of ministers.

Coalition and Cabinet Distribution

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), which leads the coalition government in the state, has agreed on a cabinet distribution plan. Of the 12 cabinet positions, JMM will hold 7, Congress 4, and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) 1. The Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation (CPIML), having won two seats, has decided not to join the government but will offer external support. This distribution is in line with the coalition agreement.

Congress’s Internal Competition

There is intense competition within Congress for the four cabinet positions. The party’s central leadership is considering various criteria for the selection of ministers, including caste, tribe, gender, and minority representation, ensuring balanced inclusion in the cabinet. Concurrently, lobbying by Congress MLAs and leaders is ongoing in Delhi, with candidates highlighting their seniority, experience, and qualifications to secure a cabinet position.

Ministerial Appointments

Sources indicate that the JMM has finalized six names for cabinet positions, while Congress and RJD are still deliberating their choices. The Congress leadership is expected to finalize the list of ministers soon, after thorough discussions on representation and balancing the demands within the party.

December 9 Session and Trust Vote

The special session of the Jharkhand Assembly, scheduled for December 9, is crucial. Not only will it address the cabinet expansion, but it is also expected to feature a trust vote, where the government will have to demonstrate its support in the legislature. The session’s outcome could shape the political landscape of the state, depending on the outcome of the trust vote.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

1. CM Hemant Soren discussed cabinet expansion with Keshav Mahato.
2. Cabinet positions have been allocated among JMM, Congress, and RJD.
3. There is fierce competition within Congress for ministerial roles.
4. The December 9 assembly session will include a trust vote.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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