Media reports are abuzz that congress leadership is bracing for a cabinet reshuffle at the Centre in the first week of June. Congress chief Sonia is reportedly planning to draft several ministers for party responsibilities and induct some congress leaders from AP into the Union Cabinet.

 

Reports said that Congress veteran and finance minister Pranab Mukherjee may be elevated as Deputy Prime Minster. Eluru Congress MP Mr Kavuri Sambasiva rao and PRP founder-turned congress leader Chiranjeevi are likely to be inducted into the Union Cabinet.

 

According to the reports, home minister P. Chidambaram and Petroleum minister Jai Pal Reddy may be shifted out of their portfolios and a senior leader form North India may take over as Home Minister in place of Chidambaram.

 

As Railways Minister Mamatha Banerjee will take over as the new chief minister of West Bengal, her colleague and Minister of state Mukul Roy is likely to take over as the new Railway Minister in her place.

 

Law Minister Veerappa Moily and External Affairs Minister SM Krishna, both from Karnataka, are likely to be burdened with additional responsibilities.

 

Reports further said that party general secretary Digvijay Singh will be inducted into the Union Cabinet with an important portfolio while senior minister Ghulam Nabi Azad is likely to be dropped from the Cabinet and asked to look after party affairs.