A mix of fresh and veteran to take oath tomorrow

A mix of fresh and veteran to take oath tomorrow

Mathura forced to make way for Patel

VIJAY DEO JHA

Ranchi; August 3

Impatient son-in-law a political rookie in his bare 30s; apparently forced his father-in-law, a political veteran, to sacrifice his ministerial ambition, or it may be father-in-law grudgingly agreed, the JMM remained dynastic succession story last night,  before the puzzling cabinet expansion tomorrow.

As Hemant Soren government today submitted list of six MLAs to Raj Bhavan this afternoon to be sworn-in as ministers of the Hemant Soren led government, JMM MLA from Mandu Jay Prakash Bhai Patel  who is son-in-law of Tundi MLA Mathura Prasad Mahato) surprised those who had ruled out his chance.  In the past 13 years Patel is going to be to be youngest (he was born in 1982) minister in any government of the state so far.

Six MLAs; four from JMM, one from Congress and RJD each will take oath tomorrow as ministers of the Hemant Soren led JMM-Congress-RJD government. They will be administered oath by Governor Syed Ahmed at Raj Bhavan around 11, Raj Bhavan sources confirmed. Other ministerial candidates in the JMM are Champai Soren (Seraikela), Hazi Hussain Ansari (Madhupur) and Simon Marandi (Littipara). From Congress Gitashree Oraon (Sisai) and Suresh Paswan (Deoghar) from RJD will be administered oath.

Last night, sources in the JMM confided, Patel made a final and successful bid with ‘come what may’ approach saying he would not settle less than a ministerial berth. The party left it on Mathura and Jay Prakash to settle their claim. Mathura who was undisputed claimant for ministerial berth, the party categorically told them two from same family can’t be accommodated.  

“Mathuraji ko kursi dahej me dena pada. Ek pariwar se do log mantri nahi ho sakte. Pichli baar Arjun Munda ki sarkar me wah apne samdhi ka patta gol kar mantra bane is bar damad ne badla le liya. (Mathuraji was forced to gift the post as political dowry. Two from same family can’t be accommodated in the ministry. In previous Arjun Munda he could become after spoiling chance of his samdhi, son-in-law settled score this time),” a senior JMM leader said.

Married to Lalita, younger daughter of Mathura; Patel had first date with electoral politics in 2011 Mandu assembly by-election as the seat became vacant after death of his father, Teklal Mahato.

On being asked about son-in-law unexpectedly stepping in his shoes, Mathura replied with uninspiring mien. “Father-in-law or son-in-law as minister makes no difference. After all, ministry is with the family. Every parent wants his children to progress…me too. Well he wanted to be minister he has now chance to perform. I wish him.”

Simon Marandi was given preference in second cabinet expansion of the Hemant Soren government over other two of the party; Hemlal Murmu and Lobin Hembrom. If not owing to his age and seniority, the JMM chief Shibu Soren agreed to his name to avoid any possible rebellion from Marandi. Marandi is a named accused in 2010 Rajya Sabha horse trading case and his house was twice raided by CBI in this regard.  “I am founder member of the party. I deserve a berth,” he said.   Both Champai and Hazi Hussain were minister in previous Arjun Munda led BJP-JMM-AJSU Party-JD (U) coalition government.

But tomorrow’s cabinet expansion has left many baffled in the Congress as central leadership has said that the remaining three ministers from the Congress quota will be inducted during third and final expansion expected anytime after August 10 or before.

The party is yet to settle mind over Mannan Mallik and Sarfaraz Ahmed both facing criminal or corruption charge directly or indirectly. The party has yet not burnt bridge with independent MLA Bandhu Tirkey who is seeking ministerial berth to join the Congress.