It is PM's prerogative, say Yadav, Paswan

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 1. A visibly unhappy Mr. Sharad Yadav, who has been shifted from the Civil Aviation Ministry to the Labour Ministry in the Cabinet reshuffle, said tonight ``it is the prerogative of the Prime Minister to reshuffle his Council of Ministers.''

However, sources close to Mr. Yadav said his shifting appeared to be the result of his opposition to the disinvestment of Air India, Indian Airlines, the Hotel Corporation of India and the Airports Authority of India. The move was also apparently because Mr. Yadav appeared to be in a politically weak position after the split in the Janata Dal.

Mr. Ram Vilas Paswan, another Minister to be shifted, also said it was the Prime Minister's prerogative to reshuffle his Ministers.

``It is up to the Prime Minister to reshuffle his Ministers and I will take care of whatever job is given to me,'' the Lok Janshakti leader, moved from the high-profile Communications Ministry to Coal and Mines, said. On whether he was unhappy about his new portfolio, he said, ``all portfolios are of equal importance.''

Meanwhile, the 46-year-old Mr. Vijay Goel became the first Minister to take up his assignment after today's expansion and reshuffle. He assumed charge as Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, hours after being inducted into the Ministry. And, according to official sources, he has already met officials of his Ministry.

- PTI

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : National
Previous : Shift in foreign policy approach
Next     : Customs issues notices to 22 officers