Cong set to replace ‘clean CM’ Sheila?
With the CAG report indicting Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit on the CWG issue, speculation is rife that the party is set to drop her. However, following the Karnataka formula, Ms Dikshit might be given a chance to select her own successor. “Let me see the CAG report first,” Ms Dikshit said, “all details will now be provided to the PAC”.
Meanwhile, with Delhi Assembly elections slated for 2013, the Congress intends to get a leader with a clean image. So far the names of Union ministers Ajay Maken and minister in the Sheila Dikshit Cabinet A.K. Walia are doing the rounds. Moreover, with Parliament in session, the ruling UPA is preparing to counter the Opposition onslaught over Mrs Dikshit’s indictment. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Congress top leadership are apparently in the mood to replace controversial leaders as the Centre “is hit by a series of scams”, a senior Congress leader said.
The CAG report on the Delhi Commonwealth Games has come at a time when the Congress is gearing up for municipal elections in Delhi next year and reviving the party’s fortunes in Uttar Pradesh, where Assembly elections are slated for early next year. Sources disclosed that in the event of Ms Dikshit’s removal as chief minister, Delhi health minister A.K, Walia, who apparently has a “clean image”, could emerge as one of the main contenders for the post. Dr Walia had earlier been divested of the finance portfolio by Mrs Dikshit. However, he reportedly has the backing of a large number of Congress MLAs.
The next in line could be Union minister of state for sports (independent charge) Ajay Maken. Not only has Mr Maken been able to “maintain a clean image”, his name had often propped up as a replacement for Mrs Dikshit. Mr Maken is also considered a “vote-catcher” in the organisation. A senior party functionary said Union minister for women and child affairs Krishna Tirath could also emerge as a “dark horse”.
The Delhi government went into a huddle as the CAG report became public. The CM’s office on Friday claimed the government was yet to get a copy of the CAG report. Later, Mrs Dikshit said: “All I can assure you is that when the CAG report goes to the PAC, in accordance with well-established practice, we will cooperate with them completely and fully.”
Post new comment