Gehlot meets Sonia Gandhi, Cabinet reshuffle likely

Rajasthan Chief Minister(CM) Ashok Gehlot today met Congress President Sonia Gandhi here for the second time in a week. He briefed her about the political situation in the state. Party sources, however, declined any move to replace Gehlot who is the second time Chief Minister. The high command, however, could effect some changes in his government. The meeting came amid controversies surrounding communal riots in Gopalgarh and an alleged sleaze that led to the sacking of Mahipal Maderna as Water Resources Minister in connection with midwife Bhanwari Devi disappearance case. A cabinet reshuffle is also on cards in the state. After the meeting, Gehlot said he apprised Gandhi of the development work being done in the state and the political situation. He also met the AICC general secretary in-charge for the state Mukul Wasnik. Asked about the commuanl violence incident of Gopalgarh, he said the state government has already ordered a judicial inquiry and recommended a CBI probe. He declined to answer questions on cabinet reshuffle in his state. Two Rajasthan ministers had to go under controversial circumstances in the last few months. Maderna, who was allegedly involved in the case of mysterious disappearance of Bhanwari Devi, was sacked by the Chief Minister on October 16. Another senior minister Amin Khan had to go after he had made a controversial statement in February this year suggesting that President Pratibha Patil got the top post due to her proximity with Congress President Sonia Gandhi.