The Congress targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first Cabinet expansion exercise on Sunday with its leaders tweeting on the issue of tainted Ministers, the delay in appointing Ministers to handle key portfolios and the “personality cult” surrounding Mr. Modi.
All India Congress Committee general secretary Ajay Maken took on the government on the issue of tainted Ministers.
“PM, CMs should desist from appointing tainted people as ministers: Supreme Court”. BUT ONE NEW MINISTER-23 cases,” Mr. Maken tweeted from his official handle.
He questioned PM Narendra Modi on his commitment to “clean” politics citing the Supreme Court verdict of August 27th where the apex court had rejected a petition calling for removal of tainted ministers and instead left the issue to the discretion of the Prime Minister.
“(Following) 27 Aug SC Decision-Expected 13 Tainted Min removal But New Tainted Min added- Affidavit shows 23 cases Modi Ji What about #SwachhPolitics,” he tweeted.
Mr. Maken also criticized the government on the delay in delegating clear responsibilities for important portfolios.
“Took 6 MONTHS for Full Time Defense/Security, Power, Rural Development, Surface Transport, Environment #ModiKeMantri OR Wait Who knows even now?,” he said.
AICC general secretaryy and Former Madhya Pradesh CM Digvijay Singh tried to corner Mr. Modi on the perceived cult of personality around him.
“Why so much excitement about Cabinet Expansion ? Modi doesn't require a Cabinet. His is a ONE MAN CABINET ! Ask Rajnath Ji and Gadkari Ji !” tweeted Mr. Singh.
Despite the criticisms, the cabinet expansion exercise remained quite popular on Twitter with hashtags #ModiKeMantri, Suresh Prabhu, Jayant Sinha and #cabinetexpansion trending through the day.
AICC president Sonia Gandhi and former PM Manmohan Singh were invited for, but could not attend, Mr. Modi’s first cabinet expansion exercise.
