Speculation is rife over possible induction of some new faces from Rajasthan in the Union Cabinet following Mahadev Singh Khandela’s exit. Political circles were abuzz on Saturday with speculation that Mr Sachin Pilot may get a promotion while Nagaur MP Jyoti Mirdha or Barmer MP Harish Choudhary could be inducted in the Cabinet. Minister of state for tribal affairs Khandela resigned on Saturday and the ruling Congress MPs are lobbying hard to find a place in the Cabinet.
Mr Khandela, who represents Sikar parliamentary constituency, created space for a Jat leader to be inducted in his place. The sources said chances were bright for new faces like Jyoti Mirdha and Harish Choudhary.
Sources said Ms Mirdha’s name, who is a doctor by profession and the granddaughter of farming community leader, the late Nathuram Mirdha, is also in consideration while Mr Choudhary is also in the race. “Both belong to the Jat community and are first-timers,” said a party leader. RS member Ashok Ali Tak is also in the race to find a berth in the Cabinet.
Mr Choudhary was quite active when UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi visited Barmer one-and-a-half months back.
The Congress promoted Mr Khandela as Jat leader after the Lok Sabha elections and he had been inducted in the Cabinet as minister of state for road transport. But he was shifted to the tribal affairs ministry due to his poor performance.
Rajya Sabha member Ashok Ali Tak is also in the race to find a berth in the Cabinet.