R Krishna Das
The act of Chhattisgarh’s senior most minister T S Singh Deo has stirred the political cauldron hinting an overt signal of a major upheaval in another Congress-ruled state.
Technically, Singh Deo has not resigned as minister of a particular department as flashed in many media platforms. A person takes oath as a cabinet member and not of a portfolio.
According to Constitution experts, to quit as minister, one has to resign from the cabinet and not from the portfolio. If it is followed, it will underline that the minister has expressed lack of confidence in the cabinet and the message will go against the government.
However, born to a bureaucratic family, the titular Maharaja of erstwhile Sarguja state knows the technicalities. Singh Deo on July 16 relinquished the Panchayat and Rural development department, one of the five portfolios held by him. But the move has sent a big message underlining Singh Deo finally running out of patience.
Being the brain behind Congress’ strategy that routed 15 years of BJP’s rule, Singh Deo also played a significant role in cleverly crafting the election manifesto for Congress in 2018. He was the senior most minister but was reportedly sidelined.
A few senior Congress leaders claim that he was supposed to hold the top position under the rotational arrangement. However, Singh Deo never reacted in public domain.
Quitting a portfolio is not paltry. The message between the lines should alert the grand-old party. Political pandits in Chhattisgarh see the development as the first indication of Singh Deo’s revolt. The script in the letter written to the Chief Minister while renouncing the panchayat portfolio stands testimony to the move.
Though Congress spokesperson could not be contacted for a view on the unfolding development, a senior Congress leader told News Riveting Singh Deo had struck the chord at the right time. Recent developments in the state and party organisation make it appropriate.
The political pandits also feel that the development will provide platform to the leaders, if any, resented with the functioning of the government.
The simmering differences among cadres in another Congress-ruled state has started spilling. It is high time for the leadership to take a call.
