New Delhi: Days after resolving the crisis within its Punjab unit, Congress has started its process to clear the political turmoil in Rajasthan. In view of this, Congress general secretary in-charge KC Venugopal has scheduled a visit to Jaipur, on Saturday.
Venugopal is expected to reach there by today evening. Rajasthan Congress general secretary Ajay Maken is also expected to accompany him. Discussions over the Cabinet expansion are going to be held. According to sources, Congress high command has given a task to Venugopal to hold talks with both Gehlot and Pilot camps ahead of the Cabinet rejig.
Speaking to the media, KC Venugopal said, "I'm going there. I'm a Rajya Sabha MP from the state." When asked about the expected Cabinet reshuffle in the state, he replied, "I'm not aware of that. I'm going there for some official work."
Also read: Maken's retweet backing Sidhu triggers speculation about Pilot
It has been informed that portfolio distribution will be held in view of making a balance between the caste and communities in a bid to assuage any revolt. Venugopal, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP from Rajasthan, is expected to have a discussion with both Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot. The final announcements are likely to be made very soon.
After the changes made in Punjab Congress, the Pilot camp is reportedly upset over the continuous delay in cabinet expansion in the state. Earlier this month, the Rajasthan Congress general secretary Ajay Maken had a two-day visit to Jaipur, where he had a discussion with Gehlot for two consecutive days.
Out of the nine vacant posts in Rajasthan cabinet, Pilot has demanded six to seven seats for the MLAs of his camp. However, Gehlot had conveyed a message to the AICC general secretary that it is not possible to fulfil Pilot's demand as he has made a commitment to the BSP MLAs who supported the Congress party to form government in Rajasthan. He made it clear that if appointments will be made in the Cabinet both independent MLAs, as well as the BSP MLAs, will have to be accommodated.
Also read: Navjot Singh Sidhu appointed Punjab Congress president
It has now been said that the MLAs of the Pilot camp may get a position in the Cabinet, corporation and board in the state. In addition to this, Pilot has also been offered a position in Delhi as AICC general secretary.
A source from the party informed that a truce formula has been prepared by the Congress party over which the final decision will have to be made. Before the announcement, Gehlot may also be called to Delhi for the final consultation with party high command. However, no official word has been made over this matter as of now.
