JOIN USRise of Lalu's sons irks senior leaders
There is widespread disappointment among the rank and file of Janata Dal (U) and Rashtriya Janata Dal over Lalu Prasad’s sons becoming senior ministers in Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Cabinet.
Party sources said that the leadership of both the parties had to work hard to make senior leaders agree on Lalu’s sons becoming senior ministers. One of them, Tejashwi, has been made Deputy Chief Minister.
Senior most leader of RJD Abdul Bari Siddiqui refused to be sworn-in at first. However, he agreed to take oath after being persuaded by other leaders.
“This is not a good sign. Lalu Prasad could have shown some patience. His sons should have been made ministers, but not number two and number three. They need training. We could not give a good message,” a senior leader of the Grand Alliance told Deccan Herald.
Siddiqui, who led the party when it was in crisis and was also Leader of Opposition in the Assembly. He agreed only after being assured that he would have a greater say in decision making. “Senior leaders persuaded him. Only then, he accepted the decision,” said one leader. Siddiqui has been given the Finance portfolio.
The distribution of portfolio has also caused resentment because Lalu’s sons cornered six important portfolios.
Representation
Lalu not only stopped at restoring power to his family but also ensured better representation for Yadav clan. Yadavs got largest share in the Cabinet with seven ministers. They are followed by Dalits (5) and minorities (4).
Nitish-Lalu duo has also taken care of Extremely Backwards and Maha-dalits. The Cabinet has three Kushswahas, two Nishads and one Dhanuks. Among Dalits, only one Paswan could make it to the Cabinet. All others are from non-Paswan castes.
Upper castes remained at the receiving end. The Rajputs got the largest share with three berths, and Bhumihar and Brahmin got one each.