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Much-awaited Rajasthan cabinet reshuffle delayed, Congress leader says 'sometimes we have to suppress our desires'
The cabinet reshuffle in Rajasthan has been delayed in view of doctors' advise to chief minister Ashok Gehlot to avoid one-on-one meeting. It was part of the assurance given by Congress leadership to Sachin Pilot after a rebellion in the state last year.
Rajasthan Congress leader Bhanwar Lal Sharma has given advice to his colleagues in the state amid the delay in cabinet expansion by chief minister Ashok Gehlot. Sharma said there are times when people have to suppress their desires. The cabinet expansion has been put on hold after medical advise to the chief minister who is in post-Covid recovery stage.
"Nothing is going to happen for the next two months because CM is not meeting people in-person. I also wanted to become CM but sometimes we've to suppress our desires," Sharma said while interacting with reporters on Tuesday, as reported by news agency ANI.
Also Read: As Sachin Pilot camps in Delhi, his loyalists continue attack on Gehlot
"There is a proverb - 'Ek Anar, Sau Bimar' (something that's in short supply and high demand). But in this case, there are 25 'bimar' (aspirants). How many would get it (ministerial berths)?" he asked.
The politician was at the centre of the storm that brewed in the ruling party in Rajasthan last year, siding with Sachin Pilot-led rebel camp. Sharma was suspended from the Congress party, but came back when the political crisis was resolved by the Congress top brass with a promise to accommodate Pilot loyalists in the government.
Sharma reiterated on Monday that he is with the Congress and "Sachin Pilot and CM Ashok Gehlot are my leaders".
"Pilot Sahab never demanded any post for himself. He has clarified that he will not join BJP. I believe some junior leaders have occupied some big posts, which is going to hurt the party. Senior-most leaders must be given due respect," he also said.
On Monday, the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) of Ashok Gehlot informed that doctors have advised the chief minister to avoid one-on-one meeting.
"In view of the post-Covid repercussions, as a precautionary measure on the advice of doctors, the Chief Minister is not able to meet people in person. All meetings and interactions are being done through video conference and video calls only. The doctors have said that for a month or two, he should hold meetings with the video conference only. Department meetings and review meetings are also being held through video conferencing," said OSD Lokesh Sharma.
At present, Rajasthan has 21 ministers, including the chief minister. The state with 200 assembly constituencies can appoint a maximum of 30 ministers. Last year's patch-up between Gehlot and Pilot factions happened after assurances from the Congress' central leadership that the rebels who followed the latter will be suitably accommodated.
But last week, Pilot told Hindustan Times that the Congress high command had failed to deliver on the promises that were made to him when he along with 18 legislators returned to the party after a month-long drama.
The high command, however, signalled to Pilot that it has initiated the process of reshuffling and that the process will be completed soon.
After Jitin Prasada, a close aide of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi shifted to its political rival - Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday, speculation is on about more leaders following his suit, including Congress leader Sachin Pilot, who is currently in Delhi.
