New Delhi:
After announcing big-ticket reforms on Friday, the government is now gearing up for a cabinet reshuffle next week, sources have told NDTV. And there are indications that this reshuffle could lead to a change of guard in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
Prithviraj Chavan, who is the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, could be brought back to Delhi, sources said, adding that the front-runner among the contenders to replace him is Maharashtra Industries Minister Narayan Rane.
Sources also say that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy could be inducted into the cabinet, and union minister Jaipal Reddy could replace him.
The speculation about a possible change of guard in Maharashtra was triggered after Congress President Sonia Gandhi met some leaders from the state yesterday. Mrs Gandhi also met Mr Rane, prompting speculation that he may take over as chief minister.
However, Mr Rane today said there was no political motive behind his visit to the national capital. "There was no political discussion. I met her to inquire about her health and extended wishes. If I want to discuss politics, I will take a separate appointment," Mr Rane said.
The minister rejected reports that the meeting was to discuss change of guard in the state. He said apart from him, several leaders from the state had met Mrs Gandhi to inquire about her health.
He admitted that there are reports of reshuffle at the Centre with some Union Ministers being given state responsibilities. "The high command will take a decision taking into consideration political priorities of each state," he said when asked about Maharashtra.
Mr Chavan too had yesterday denied reports of a change in leadership in the state. He said he had not been notified of any change as yet. "I am very much in Maharashtra without any ifs and buts. I was sent here by the high command," Mr Chavan had said.
Sources say the Congress is keen to settle the tension with ally NCP and Mr Chavan's exit could help smoothen the relationship. The NCP is a member of the ruling coalition at the centre as well, which is led by the Congress.
The NCP has made its dissatisfaction with the alliance clear in the past. Its members in Maharashtra say Mr Chavan is uncommunicative and unresponsive to their requests, and slow to implement key infrastructure projects.
Mr Chavan was minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) till he was deputed in November 2010 to implement a course-correction for the Congress. News of the Adarsh Scam had just broken, and then Chief Minister Ashok Chavan was linked to the swindle that saw apartments being grabbed by politicians, bureaucrats and retired defence officers in a building meant for war widows and veterans.
Mr Rane, who represents Kudal in the southern Maharashtra district of Sindhudurg, has served as Chief Minister for an eight-month stint in 1999. He was originally with the Shiv Sena, and then switched to the Congress in 2005. While Congressmen hold his political origins in the Shiv Sena against him, the other contenders have very little visibility and support base outside their own constituencies.
(
With inputs from PTI)