Rajasthan Cabinet formation: Ashok Gehlot bats for old ministers, Sachin Pilot for youth

JAIPUR: Cabinet formation in Rajasthan is likely to be a tricky affair with chief minister Ashok Gehlot reportedly keen on reappointing ministers of his previous Cabinet while deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot is bent on inducting youth. It looks like Rahul Gandhi may have to intervene again.

“The Cabinet should be a blend of youth and experience. We will soon expand it after deliberations with Congress president Rahul Gandhi. We will also consider the social and regional factor while finalising the Cabinet,” Pilot said.

There are over three dozen MLAs in Gehlot and Pilot’s camps who are lobbying for a ministerial berth. Gehlot is reportedly looking at repeating ministers of his previous cabinet, including Shanti Dhariwal, R Pareek, MS Malviya and PJ Bhaya.

With Pilot putting up a spirited fight for chief ministership, he has clearly emerged as a power centre in the political arena, along with Gehlot. Unlike other deputy CMs in Gehlot’s previous regime (Banwari Lal Bairwa and Kamla Beniwal), Pilot is more assertive.

“In the first phase, 16 ministers are likely to be inducted. Out of these, 10 are likely to be named from the Gehlot camp and six from Sachin’s side. Since there seems to be differences of opinion between the two leaders, every important appointment and decision would be made after discussions with Rahul Gandhi,” said a senior MLA, whose name is there in the first list.

Analysts believe that the Congress seems to be moving back to the 80s era when the High Command decided all state matters. “In the 80s, CMs chief of Congress-led states would take the flight to Delhi every now and then to seek the decision of Indira Gandhi and then Rajeev Gandhi. Going by the way Rajasthan is heading for a power struggle between Gehlot and Pilot, the role of Rahul Gandhi is going to be vital,” said Rameshwar Pareek, a political analyst.