CM's rejig shock for Walia

Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit has reportedly affected a major reshuffle in the portfolios of her ministers, including some of her most senior lieutenants, said sources. HT reports.

Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit has reportedly affected a major reshuffle in the portfolios of her ministers, including some of her most senior lieutenants, said sources.

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They said a file had been sent to the lieutenant-governor for his approval.

Sources said AK Walia may be one of the biggest losers, important portfolios of urban development and revenue would be taken away from him. Walia had not have the best of relations with Dikshit and the two have had differences of opinion on several matters.

These two departments could go to Arvinder Singh, who has been looking after transport and education. Singh is also likely to get an additional charge of directorate of local bodies.

Singh's portfolios could be divided among Ramakant Goswami (transport) and Kiran Walia (education). Singh could also emerge as the biggest beneficiary of the exercise.

The CM could also transfer the labour department from Goswami to AK Walia, while the industries department could be given to Harun Yusuf.

The development department, which was with Yusuf, could be given to Raj Kumar Chauhan.

"The decision was taken by party high command, keeping in mind the next year's Assembly elections," said Mukesh Sharma, parliamentary secretary to the CM.