A major reshuffle in the union cabinet is likely to take place as four union ministers reportedly wrote to the party supremo Sonia Gandhi asking her to relieve them of them of their portfolios. The four ministers include health and family welfare minister Gulam Nabi Azad, rural development minister Jairam Ramesh, law and justice minister Salman Khurshid and overseas Indian affairs minister Vayalar Ravi.

The letter presumably came in as a shock to the high command. The reasons behind their resignation are yet to be made public. Our sources said that the ministers, however, told the Congress president that they would continue to serve the party as just activists. It may be noted that Jairam Ramesh may not be a grassroot leader, but it was his aam aadmi slogan that apparently brought UPA Government into the power in 2004. Similarly other three leaders too are a must to the party for looking at the party activities and designing the election strategies.

The congress is likely to appoint younger MPs in the vacant posts and experienced leaders are likely to be assigned with portfolios that demand more hard work and responsibility.

The leaders resigning from their posts looks like a move to revive the party and strengthen it for ensuring party’s victory in 2014. Will the revival of the party really help the UPA retain its power is a rhetorical question. (Phani)