Union Cabinet reshuffle tomorrow; after Ajay Maken, CP Joshi also resigns

NEW DELHI: After Ajay Maken, another Union minister CP Joshi submitted his resignation ahead of the Cabinet reshuffle, which is expected on Monday.

Union railway minister CP Joshi resigned on Sunday becoming the second minister to quit the government.

President Pranab Mukherjee has accepted the resignation of both Joshi and Ajay Maken.

Earlier on Saturday, housing and poverty alleviation minister Ajay Maken quit from the Union Cabinet, in a move that signalled an impending reshuffle of the council of ministers along with changes in the Congress organization.

Both developments are being keenly watched as changes in the AICC are expected to bear the stamp of party vice-president Rahul Gandhi. The likely induction of Maken for party work can indicate a newer look to the organization.

Since Maken is a Delhi leader, his resignation can have a bearing on the city assembly elections slated later this year. Although chief minister Shiela Dikshit will lead the campaign, she may not continue in the event of a Congress win as she is set to complete a record three terms.

Changes in the AICC will be watched keenly to see if Rahul Gandhi can clear some of the deadwood that has accumulated at the 24, Akbar Road headquarters of the party. His choice of persons and assignments will be seen as a preparatory exercise for the 2014 Lok Sabha election.

Changes in the council of ministers have been pending for a while. There are vacancies caused by the exit of DMK and Trinamool Congress from the UPA as well as resignations of former law and railway ministers Ashwani Kumar and Pawan Bansal.

(With inputs from PTI)