Ajit Singh likely to displace Ravi as civil aviation minister
28 Nov 2011
New Delhi: Speculative reports emerging from the capital suggest that Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief and western Uttar Pradesh political strongman Ajit Singh is likely to assume charge as civil aviation minister as soon as he and the Congress party solemnise a political alliance ahead of state polls.
Reports suggest a formal announcement could be made in the next couple of weeks.
Singh's party is influential in Western Uttar Pradesh, which will be poll bound in 2012.
Reports suggest that the Congress party bigwigs feel that Vayalar Ravi, who holds additional charge as civil aviation minister, has been none to impressive in the discharge of his duties and his charge could easily be handed over to Ajit Singh who is hankering for an impressive portfolio.
Congress sources indicate that a final call on the matter could be taken by the party in consultation with the prime minister soon.
Both parties have apparently been in talks for forging an alliance for the past several months and a formal announcement of an accord is expected soon.
The Congress currently holds a measly 22 seats in the state legislature, and has been out of power in the state since 1989.