Chandigarh, February 7: Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today left for Delhi to discuss the details of reallocation of portfolios and Cabinet expansion with party president Rahul Gandhi. Restructuring of the PPCC is also on cards, it is learnt.
With former Chief Principal Secretary Suresh Kumar reluctant to rejoin the government after the setting aside of his appointment by Punjab and Haryana High Court, the CM is keen on distributing among his Cabinet colleagues a number of portfolios handled on his behalf by Kumar.
At present, the CM is handling over 42 departments. Kumar had been instrumental in crucial decisions taken by the CMO.
Amarinder wants to expand the Cabinet in the first week of March, ahead of the Budget session, which is expected to begin on March 8.
At present, nine berths are vacant. Maintaining a mix of youth and talent, three new faces from the Rahul brigade — Kuljit Nagra, Vijay Inder Singla and Bharat Bhushan Ashu — are the frontrunners. Urmar MLA Sangat Singh Gilzian may also find a place in the Cabinet as an OBC representative.
From Majha region, there is pressure on the party to induct Sukhjinder Randhawa and Amritsar MLA Raj Kumar Verka. The expansion will see crucial portfolios of power, irrigation and industries being distributed among senior most ministers and MLAs.
News Source: http://www.tribuneindia.com
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