Hectic lobbying on for Chauhan's replacement

Updated on: 03 March,2011 07:57 AM IST |
MiD DAY Correspondent |

The PWD minister's removal seems to be imminent after Delhi CM met Congress President on Wednesday

The PWD minister's removal seems to be imminent after Delhi CM met Congress President on Wednesday

Hectic lobbying has started within the city Congress after reports came in that PWD Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan could be removed from the Cabinet.

PWD Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan

Sources said that names of Chaudhary Prem Singh (Ambedkar Nagar), Rajesh Lilothia (Patel Nagar), Amrish Singh Gautam, Deputy Speaker, Delhi Assembly (Kondli) and Jai Kishan (Sultanpur Majra) are doing rounds as the probable replacement of Chauhan.u00a0

To maintain a caste balance in the cabinet, Chauhan's replacement has to be from reserved category as he too belongs to the Scheduled Caste. "The incumbent could get a ministerial berth of lesser importance and some senior cabinet member might be asked to take over the PWD portfolio," party sources said.u00a0 A senior Congress leader, whose name is doing rounds for the cabinet post told MiD Day, "The issue is being discussed now. By tomorrow, the picture will be much clear."

The speculations about Chauhan's removal grew stronger after Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit met Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday and briefed her about Delhi Lokayukta's recommendation to sack Chauhan. However, several senior Congress leaders in the city are opposed to his removal saying that the move would set a bad precedent as similar situation may arise in future as well. Chauhan was not available for comments.