Central cabinet Expansion?
posted on Oct 17, 2012 @ 11:00AM
Congress leadership was keen on effecting a significant reshuffle of the Council of Ministers this month. Prime Minister Manmohan met President Pranab Mukherjee amid strong indications to this. In the long conversation, the PM and the President discussed possible dates when Mukherjee can swear in the new entrants to the government, as well as those who might be elevated, sources said. Mukherjee will be traveling to West Bengal on October 20 for Durga Puja at his village, Congress is looking at two slots either by Friday or, failing that, around October 28-29 for cabinet expansion planning. Mukherjee will be unavailable for official functions for four days, beginning Saturday. With Eid being celebrated around October 27, the changes may have to wait until October 28 if they are not effected by Friday. Significantly, Congress chief Sonia also called on Mukherjee who was a key member of the Congress's core group before his elevation as the constitutional head. Rahul Gandhi is expected to call on the President on Wednesday.