With law and justice minister Ashwani Kumar quitting the Union Cabinet over his role in the Coalgate case, speculation is rife in the law ministry that communications minister Kapil Sibal is likely to replace him in the ministry. The need for seeking a replacement of the law minister was felt as the government is under extreme pressure from the Opposition over his role in the entire episode.
The standoff with the Opposition has already forced the government to curtail the recent Budget Session of Parliament. Removal of Mr Kumar is expected to ensure buying some peace from the Opposition.
The Supreme Court had made strong observations on the law ministry’s role in the case and said that “the heart of the report was changed on the suggestion of government officials”.
There is a buzz in the law ministry that after Mr Kumar’s exit, a senior minister like Mr Sibal may replace him. Mr Sibal’s name has emerged as he is considered to be close to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and he also enjoys the confidence of the party high command.
A senior Cabinet minister, Mr Sibal is also considered to be more adept at handling legal issues, which is being considered an asset as the government continues to get entangled in one controversy after the other.
Apart from Mr Sibal, another name doing the rounds is that of former law minister and present Karnataka governor H.R. Bhardwaj. A Gandhi family confidant, Mr Bhardwaj may be brought back to the Centre after the success in Karnataka, sources said.
Some in the ministry also feel that information and broadcasting minister Manish Tewari may also be a good choice for the position as he is considered to be one of the most articulate ministers in the present UPA government. With a solid legal background, he could emerge as the dark horse as his handling of the I&B ministry has been widely appreciated in both the government and party organisation.