Plans are afoot for major changes in the government against the backdrop of debacle of the Congress in the Assembly polls, especially in Uttar Pradesh. This was indicated by party sources. Congress chief Sonia Gandhi has already ruled out replacing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Though the nature of a Cabinet reshuffle is yet not clear, the thrust is on preparing a team for the next Lok Sabha elections.
The current strength of the Cabinet is 76, excluding the Prime Minister.
If controversial statements by some Union ministers of the party adversely affected the Congress’ prospects in the UP elections, the mishandling of the corruption issue and the civil society has not gone down well with the people.
Regional leaders have become stronger in key states like UP, Bihar, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Orissa and could become key players in Andhra Pradesh.
Congress officials are aware of these developments.
The Congress has been weak in UP, Bihar, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat and Orissa, which elect 303 Lok Sabha members. It has not been strong enough in Maharashtra (48 seats) and is on a sticky wicket in Andhra Pradesh (42).
The leaders are unsure of how Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan will face the coming political challenge on his own, especially when the Shiv Sena, BJP, MNS and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP are gearing up for the next Lok Sabha elections. Mr Chavan continues to be inaccessible, said the party officials.
The party high command has to strengthen the organisation in at least a dozen states.