‘The Tribune-Chatterati’ 22nd.February.2010

One has been hearing of one man one post. So a reshuffle of the cabinet and A.I.C.C everyone is anxiously waiting for. But speculation about AICC reshuffle is quiet now with all in the Congress lobbying for Cabinet berths at the Centre as UPA-II will complete its first year in May. And as usual the back biting and leg pulling has started full on.
But now the mood at AICC headquarters here is not for a change. No one wants to disturb the process of organizational elections. Also, the party’s victory in the Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly polls has delayed the reshuffle. The “one man, one post” even as half dozen Union Ministers are still General Secretaries.
Rahul as a charismatic leader has made Congress party “feel good”. The one role everyone longs for in the Congress is to strengthen the hands of the young leader. Rahul, Congressmen feel has revived the Congress in Uttar Pradesh, made the party number one in Maharashtra and will now concentrate in Bihar. In Tamil Nadu and West Bengal Congress is bringing talent and youth into the party. Also Rahul’s taming of Bal Thackeray has gone well with all Congress men.
Lobbying for Cabinet berths in the Congress is interesting now because those in the second line in the ruling party want to prove their mettle by becoming ministers. Youngsters feel that the Prime Minister and the Congress Chief can create a space for a second rung in the Cabinet by giving other assignments to the senior ministers. The lobbying could become intense once the biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha are over. As many Union Ministers term will get over too.